CPI-M demands nationalisation of mineral resources

"We demand nationalisation of all mines and global tender of the minerals being extracted in the state," CPI(M) general secretary Janadran Pati told reporters here.

All companies, including Posco, were coming to the state to loot its mineral wealth, he alleged.

"Once the government takes over the mines, the state will get direct benefit," he said.

By taking control of the mines, Orissa could get the dual benefit of total stop to corruption and gaining maximum revenue for its people, he said, adding that the state government should take all natural resources under its hold, barring coal and petroleum.

He also alleged that the mines `mafia` were manipulating politics in the state and were making huge amounts of money, becoming a threat to the socio-economic and political life in Orissa.