The BJP on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into the multi-crore mining scam under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
A probe by the Central agency will reveal the unholy nexus between ruling BJD and the Opposition Congress and their evil deeds, senior BJP leader BB Harichandan told a media conference here.
Although five months have lapsed since the Shah Commission submitted its report, the State Government has not placed it before the State Cabinet whereas in Goa and Karnataka, the reports were tabled in the Cabinet immediately. Slamming Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for not tabling the report in the winter session of the Assembly, Harichandan said had it been reported, both the Congress and BJD would have been exposed.
The Justice MB Shah Commission report has brought to light gross irregularities committed by the Government agencies during grant of mining lease, renewal of lease and patronage extended to the miners for illegal mining.
While 50 per cent mines are operating without due environmental clearance, 75 per cent of the lessees have exploited resources beyond their assigned territories. There are 56 mines which carried out their operation in wildlife sanctuaries, Harichandan said.
The State and Central governments turning a blind eye to the loot of the natural wealth clearly proves their malafide intention which was to fill their respective treasuries to fund elections. “It is now evident that the mutual blame game they were engaged in was nothing but a ostentatious display to befool the people. It has also clarified the terms of agreement between Naveen and Congress president Sonia Gandhi to keep the BJP away,” the BJP leader said.