BJD demands Odisha Mines Minister’s removal after ED raids on his representative

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday, January 19, 2026, demanded the resignation of State Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, citing ED raids on the premises of her appointed representative for his involvement in illegal and unauthorized excavation and sale of minor mines in Ganjam district.

BJD leader Lenin Mohanty said at a press conference that the recent ED raids in Ganjam had clearly revealed the involvement of Mines Minister Jena’s own representative in sand theft, thus exposing his role in the matter.

“In an official letter addressed to the Ganjam district collector, he had authorized Mines Minister Sunil Patra as his representative in the mining, police and court departments. After Sunil Patra’s involvement in illegal sand mining was exposed during the ED raid, the Minister’s direct involvement with the illegal activity came to light,” Mr. Mohanty said.

Mr. Mohanty added that cases of sand and mineral theft have increased sharply in Odisha since the BJP came to power. “BJD has consistently pointed out that such theft takes place with the active encouragement of the ruling party,” he said.

Citing official figures, the BJD said revenue from minor mines has fallen sharply from ₹ 1,485 crore in 2023-24 to ₹ 600 crore in 2024-25. Similarly, revenue from major mines fell from ₹ 50,000 crore to ₹ 34,000 crore in the same period.

“This loss of revenue is extremely unfortunate for the State. Excessive theft of sand and minerals has also led to a sharp increase in the prices of essential construction materials,” the party said.

Mr. Mohanty added that despite repeated representations and demands for stringent action, the government remained inactive and apathetic. The regional party reiterated its demand for Mr. Jena’s immediate removal from the Council of Ministers.

ED’s Bhubaneswar Regional Office carried out a comprehensive search operation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at more than 25 premises in Ganjam district linked to persons engaged in illegal sand and black stone mining as well as contractors and owners associated with liquor (Bhati) operations in the countryside.

“During the search, cash amounting to Rs 2.63 crore was found and seized, along with several incriminating documents, important property records and agreements, including energy deals and mining leases, signed by the persons in question. The search activity unearthed a large number of high-level benami vehicles obtained with proceeds of crime,” the agency said in a statement.

According to the ED, the facilities covered were linked to brokers, syndicates with serious criminal history and their other associated business partners. People who exploited and terrorized the people in the region and who were forcibly engaged in illegal mining and selling small mines by using their muscle power were also raided.

The Comptroller and Auditor General had also flagged rampant illegal mining along the Rushikulya, Bahuda and Bada River bed in Ganjam district, causing huge losses to the government’s exchequer.

ED stated that the modus operandi showed that mining leases were obtained illegally and forcefully by syndicate partners under the names of various leaseholders by offering commission at a pre-determined rate.

“Mining licenses issued in the name of other leaseholders are non-transferable and are prohibited by law. This unauthorized use of licenses issued in the name of other leaseholders allows syndicate members to extract more sand or black rock than government regulations allow,” the statement said.