By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s political landscape witnessed high drama today after Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das made a series of sharp and sensational allegations during an interaction with the media. His statement has ignited heated debate across the state’s political corridors.
Bhakta Charan Das alleged that the state’s sand and stone mining operations, particularly those connected to Dharmasala Independent MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo (Liku Sahoo) are generating massive illegal revenue. He claimed that Liku Sahoo earns nearly ₹2 crore per day, amounting to approximately ₹60 crore per month from unauthorised mining activities.
He further alleged that individuals associated with these mining operations have a proximity to members of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s family. This claim, though politically explosive, remains within the realm of allegations and has not been independently verified by any investigative agency at this time.
Bhakta Charan Das also criticised what he described as the rise of “mafia-linked activities” influencing governance. His comments have sparked an immediate political uproar, with parties preparing counter-statements and the public reacting intensely on social media.
The Naveen Patnaik Reference
In a pointed remark, Bhakta Charan Das advised Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to “learn from Naveen Patnaik.” He argued that during Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year tenure, the former Chief Minister maintained a deliberate distance from individuals associated with small-time operators or mining lobbyists, which, according to him, helped Naveen avoid political disrepute.
The underlying message from the Congress leader was clear:
Any association, direct or indirect, with controversial operators can damage the reputation of a sitting Chief Minister.
Das suggested that if Mohan Majhi follows a similar path of administrative restraint and personal distancing from such elements, he could avoid public criticism and political embarrassment in the future.
Why This Statement Matters Now
The political atmosphere in Odisha is already charged due to ongoing debates around governance, law and order, and mining regulations. Bhakta Charan Das’s remarks come at a time when:
- The BJP government is under scrutiny over rising allegations of law enforcement failures.
- Mining sector irregularities have become a recurring political issue.
- The Opposition is intensifying its narrative ahead of the upcoming political exercises.
His statement has, therefore, added fuel to an already heated political environment.
