Odisha govt selling tribal lands to companies in name of industrialization: Opposition

In the name of industralisation, the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government is acquiring lands of tribals and subsequently handing them over to private companies, alleged Opposition Congress and BJP. 

The delegations of both parties met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and submitted memorandums in this connection.
The parties alleged that the State government is handing over land to private companies without conducting public hearings in gross violation of guidelines.

A piece of land earlier given to Bhushan Steel Plant in Sundargarh district has now been handed over to Vedant, the Opposition alleged. The Opposition also drew the attention of the Governor on various issues of the tribals.

“The Odisha government has been illegally occupying lands of tribals in the name of industrialisation and handing it over to companies. Now, they are making three coal mines at Jhamkani panchayat of Sundargarh district. Earlier, they had given it to Bhushan, but no work was carried out. Now they are illegally handing it over to Vedant through IDCO,” alleged Kusum Tete, BJP MLA. 

“We approached the Governor for justice. If no steps are taken in this regard, we will hit the streets,” said Congress MLA CS Rajan Ekka. 
However, the ruling BJD refuted the allegations.

“They (the Opposition) only know this politics of divide and rule. They are creating nuisance in Delhi. They are doing the same here too. They have a different stand in Delhi and a different stand here. Everyone knows their reality. So, no one believes them,” said Rajkishore Das, BJD MLA.