SBS Nagar, June 29, 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised serious allegations against the ruling party over unchecked illegal mining in the Balachaur Assembly constituency, claiming direct involvement of sitting MLA Santosh Kataria’s close associates in ongoing mining operations.
In a press statement issued by BJP SBS Nagar District President Rajwinder Singh Lucky, the party accused the ruling leadership of betraying public trust by turning a blind eye to large-scale exploitation of public land, natural resources, and the environment. The BJP alleged that these illegal activities are thriving under political patronage.
The statement cited two recent FIRs filed by police in connection with illegal mining cases:
FIR No. 91 was registered against Boota Ram, son of Tarsem Lal of village Udhanwal, who is said to be a close aide of the sitting MLA.
FIR No. 96 named Ravinder Bhatia alias Davy of village Adoana—reportedly a close relative of MLA Santosh Kataria—and Rinku Kasana alias Boota. All individuals have been booked under Sections 21(1) and 4(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957.
“These developments clearly reveal that the reins of illegal mining lie in the hands of ruling party members and their close networks,” said Lucky. He likened the current scenario to the “Munda Tax” system allegedly prevalent during the previous Congress regime, adding that “there is no moral compass or fear of law left in the present government.”
The BJP also praised the police, district administration, and mining officials for initiating legal action despite political pressure, calling it a “positive beginning” that indicates the presence of honest officers in the system.
Reaffirming its stand on transparency and lawful governance, the BJP expressed confidence that the people of Balachaur would “stand with truth” and hold accountable those misusing power for personal or political gain in the coming elections.