CM Mohan Majhi: Jails ready for those who looted Keonjhar's minerals

BHUBANESWAR/KEONJHAR: Chief minister Mohan Majhi on Sunday held the previous BJD govt responsible for exploiting Keonjhar of its mineral resources and said the jails are ready to welcome those involved.
Addressing a public gathering to felicitate him in his native Keonjhar, Majhi said, "The previous govt plundered the rich mineral resources of Keonjhar.The Keonjhar district administration, too, was involved in it. Those who looted the mines are on my radar. Mohan Majhi is not scared of anyone. Mohan Majhi govt will put them behind bars. Jails are ready."
This was Majhi's first visit to his home town after becoming chief minister on June 12. Majhi's tough stand has turned the spotlight on the multi-thousand crore mining scam that had rocked the state in 2009-10. The Justice MB Shah Commission had reportedly found ore, worth thousands of crores, had been mined illegally from Keonjhar and Sundargarh between 2000 and 2010. "Asmita (identity) of Keonjhar is in danger. Non-Odias and outsiders from Keonjhar have been exploiting the poor people of Keonjhar. They are on a loot-spree of Keonjhar's natural resources. Do you not want to see those people in jail? The jails have been decorated to welcome the plunderers," Majhi said, adding that the previous govt was neck-deep in corruption in all sectors.
Majhi: Arrogance led to BJD downfall
In an indirect attack on V K Pandian, Majhi said, "The super chief minister did not know that the ground slipped under his feet. Their (BJD) arrogance and overconfidence took them down."
Taking a dig at the previous govt, Majhi added, "When I was the opposition chief whip, I was asked to leave the BJP and was offered a mine in Keonjhar. I was also promised the post of a minister. I am thankful to the people of the state for throwing out the previous corrupt govt."
BJD refuted Majhi's allegations. BJD MLA from Ghasipura and former minister Badri Patra said the govt can conduct any inquiry if they want. "It is the duty of the govt to inquire if there is any scam or loot," Patra said.
BJD's Keonjhar district president Kusa Apat said, "The allegations are baseless. We welcome any type of inquiry. If the chief minister is speaking of corruption in the last 24 years, then the BJP, too, is responsible as it was part of the alliance govt with the BJD in the past."