State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo, while addressing a press conference here on Friday, said that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, on the one hand, is allegedly opposed to the exploitation of the natural resources of Jharkhand, while on the other hand, Grand Mining, a partnership firm of JMM candidate Basant Soren from Dumka, was fined ? 14.05 crore for the issue of illegal mining. Shahdeo said that this fine was imposed on the basis of selling invoices of higher value after doing illegal mining.

The State BJP Spokesperson said that on the orders of the then Mines Commissioner, the then Deputy Commissioner gave the report of the entire case, after which the fine was imposed. He said that the matter relates to the mining lease granted on Plot No 566 of Golpur Mauja, Pakuriya Circle in Pakur district. “Basant Soren should clarify what is the updated status of this fine imposed by this Mining Department? Has he deposited the fine after settling the case as per the court order in this case, or is the mining still going on without settling the case? Has he paid any installment of the fine or the matter has been sidelined after his elder brother came to power in the State?” he asked.

Shahdeo said that on one hand the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha falsely opposes the exploitation of the natural resources of Jharkhand and on the other hand fine is imposed on one of its family members for illegal mining.

“Ruling party MLA Sita Soren herself accepts that 700 illegal crushers and mines in Dumka are under administrative protection. This is the real face of the Jharkhand

Mukti Morcha,” he said. State media in-charge Shiv Pujan Pathak was also present on the occasion.