BJD demands Odisha Mines Minister’s removal after ED raids on his representative

Published - January 20, 2026 01:31 am IST - BHUBANESWAR The ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal Office had carried out an extensive search operation under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at more than 25 premises across Ganjam district linked to individuals involved in illegal sand and black stone mining, as well as contractors and proprietors associated with country liquor (Bhati) operations. | Photo Credit: ANI The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday (January 19, 2026) demanded State Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena’s resignation, citing ED raids at his designated representative’s premises over his involvement in illegal and unauthorised excavation and sale of minor minerals in Ganjam district. BJD leader Lenin Mohanty, in a press conference, said the recent ED raids in Ganjam clearly established the Mines Minister Jena’s own representative’s involvement in sand theft, thereby exposing his role in the matter.