Bhubaneswar, 29 August (H.S.): Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal has accused the opposition of “political hypocrisy” over its criticism of recent reforms in the mineral sector, questioning the record of the previous BJD government during the period when large-scale mining irregularities came to light in the state.

Biswal said the opposition’s criticism of mineral-sector reforms raises questions about its own record of governance. He referred to the findings of the M.B. Shah Commission, which had estimated the value of alleged unlawful extraction of iron and manganese ore in Odisha at around ₹59,200 crore and recommended recovery.

Biswal pointed out that Naveen Patnaik was the Chief Minister of Odisha at the time, while the state was governed by the Biju Janata Dal. He claimed that the then Odisha government opposed handing the investigation over to the CBI, arguing that the state machinery was already investigating the matter.

The BJP spokesperson further alleged that Odisha failed to fully recover the revenue losses identified in connection with the mining irregularities. He also raised questions over allegations that companies linked to the mining controversy had made political donations to the ruling party at the time.

Drawing a contrast with the previous regime, Biswal said the current Narendra Modi government has introduced measures such as transparent auctions, competitive bidding and greater fiscal predictability in the mineral sector.

He argued that political parties should not oppose every reform merely because it originates from the Centre, the BJP or the Government of India.

“Politics should not become an exercise in opposing every reform simply because it comes from New Delhi or Bharatiya Janata Party or Government of India,” Biswal said.

Biswal maintained that concerns over federalism should not be used to oppose reforms aimed at improving transparency and governance in the mining sector, describing the opposition’s current position as “political hypocrisy” rather than a convincing argument for Odisha’s future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda