BJD demands dismissal of mines minister, BJP hits back

Bhubaneswar: Amid growing political friction over illegal mineral extraction in Odisha, the BJD on Monday demanded the immediate dismissal of mines minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, alleging his direct involvement in widespread sand and mineral theft across the state.The opposition party cited revelations from a recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) search in Ganjam district, which it claimed exposed the participation of the minister’s officially authorised representative, Sunil Patra, in the illegal activities.Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty accused the ruling BJP of enabling large-scale sand, morrum and stone theft under its governance. He said the ED’s recovery brought to light the “true face” of the mines minister.Responding to the allegation, Jena said, “We will not allow any sand mafia to operate in the state. The govt is determined to take stringent action against them to curb illegal trade.”