Bhopal, June 30 (IANS) The Congress on Tuesday intensified its attack on the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, with Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar alleging that mining leases were being renewed despite pending penalties of nearly Rs 305.97 crore against leaseholders.

Addressing a press conference, Singhar claimed that instead of recovering the outstanding amount, the state government was favouring the mining mafia by extending their mining leases. He also referred to proceedings before the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, saying the court had sought the government’s response within a week.

“The Mohan Yadav government appears to be overly lenient towards the mining mafia. Outstanding penalties amounting to approximately Rs 305.97 crore are owed by the state’s mining mafia. Yet, instead of recovering these penalties or taking action, the government is renewing their mining leases,” Singhar alleged. The Congress leader said the Chief Minister, who also holds the Mineral Resources portfolio, should explain why mining leases were being renewed despite pending penalties.

He demanded that the government recover the dues and make public the details of the lease renewals. “First the land issue in Ujjain, and now extending leases for the mining mafia without recovering the outstanding Rs 305 crore. CM Mohan Yadav, you yourself hold the portfolio of Minister for Mineral Resources; you are the one who must answer for this. The people of Madhya Pradesh want to know why the government is showing such leniency towards the mining mafia,” Singhar also wrote on X.

He alleged that the government’s actions had raised serious questions about its handling of the mining sector and sought greater transparency in the renewal of mining leases.

The allegations come amid an escalating political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh.

In recent days, the Congress has targeted Chief Minister Mohan Yadav over allegations related to a land matter involving his family members.

The BJP has rejected those charges, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

The latest allegations over mining lease renewals have added a new dimension to the political battle, with the Congress seeking to corner the state government over its handling of mineral resources.

The state government has not yet issued an official response to Singhar’s allegations regarding the alleged pending mining penalties and lease renewals.

–IANS

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