A fortnight ago, it was the turn of Congress MLAs to go on a fact-finding mission to all the diamond-rich areas where cases of illegal mining of diamonds had surfaced. The MLAs from the opposition say the BJP government is actively abetting those involved in illegal mining. According to them, it is not the tribals but other vested interests who are taking away the state's natural treasures.
Ask Ajit Jogi, and he darkly hints at a nexus, speaking of reports of outsiders who have settled in the state, and are now actively involved in illegal mining of diamonds. "Unless they have the blessings of the state administration, how can they operate so blatantly on their own?" he asks.
Fellow Congressman Bupesh Baghel's attack is more direct. "Why is the revenue minister of the state, Brij Mohan Aggarwal, keeping quiet? When in Opposition, he led the attack on Jogi, accusing him of awarding lucrative contracts for personal favours. Why is the state awarding contracts for quarry mining now? Especially after the entire belt has been declared diamond-rich? We think the state itself is selling off its diamonds through contractors."
While Jogi says the matter will figure in the assembly, he also adds that a final solution will emerge only after a decision is taken on diamond mining. Aggarwal, despite repeated calls, was unavailable for comments. According to sources, the government was waiting for directions from the high court where a case related to diamond mining is being heard.
