The BJP on Tuesday strongly objected to the State Government’s recommendation to the Centre for grant of prospecting licence (Pl) for iron ore mines in Sundargarh district in favour of Posco and urged the Election Commission to intervene in the matter soon.
“The Steel and Mines Department has recommended the Ministry of Mines for grant of prospecting licence for iron ore over an area of 2,500 hectares in seven villages of Sundargarh district in favour of Posco India Private limited for a period of three years by violating the election code of conduct. The recommendation was made on March 6, a day after the Election Commission made announcement for the general elections,” BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma told a Press conference here.
Sajjan alleged that State Government made the recommendation for the South Korean company in a haste in order to collect election fees from it.While the recommendation was rejected by the Central Government on January 30, it is surprising that within a month the State Government complied with all suggestions made by the Centre and recommended for grant of prospecting license once again, Sajjan observed.
“The ruling BJD has indulged in malafide activities of stealing iron ores by exploring minerals illegally,” said Surendra lath, State in-charge of BJP election office in the petition.The BJP urged the poll panel to issue necessary instruction for suspension of the recommendation as it violates the model code of conduct.