Unchecked Illegal Mining in Balachaur Constituency and Direct Involvement of the Ruling Party – A Betrayal of People's Trust and Rights

Unchecked Illegal Mining in Balachaur Constituency and Direct Involvement of the Ruling Party – A Betrayal of People's Trust and Rights

Balachaur 28 June ( PDL ) : Rajwinder Singh Lucky, District President, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), SBS Nagar said that the Illegal mining has long been a major concern in the Balachaur Assembly constituency. This is not just a development issue—it raises serious ethical, economic, and environmental questions. It has now become evident that this entire operation is being carried out under direct political patronage. Public lands, roads, water sources, and the environment are being exploited, and all of it is happening under the watch—and with the support—of those elected to serve the people. Unfortunately, these very representatives are now complicit in robbing the people of their rights. On June 27, 2025, police registered two serious FIRs in separate cases related to illegal mining: FIR No. 91 has been filed against Boota Ram, son of Tarsem Lal, a resident of village Udhanwal, who is a close aide and trusted associate of the sitting MLA. He has been booked under Sections 21(1) and 4(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957. FIR No. 96 names Ravinder Bhatia alias Davy of village Adoana, a close relative of current MLA Santosh Kataria, and Rinku Kasana alias Boota. They have also been charged under the same legal provisions. These incidents clearly demonstrate that the reins of illegal mining in the Balachaur area lie directly in the hands of ruling party members and their associates. This is not an isolated case—it paints a larger picture of an organized mafia, hiding behind false promises of development, auctioning off people’s land, forests, and water for personal gain. We still remember how, under the previous Congress government, a similar “Munda Tax” system was in place. Sadly, the current government seems to be treading the same path. There is no moral compass left, and certainly no fear of the law. The BJP strongly condemns this unlawful activity and calls upon the Punjab Government to take strict and immediate action against such practices. We have full faith in the people of Balachaur—who are aware, ethical, and discerning. They know very well who truly stands for their welfare and who is exploiting public resources for personal and political gains. We are confident that in the upcoming elections, the people of Balachaur will stand with the truth and hold accountable those who have used power for profiteering instead of public service. On this occasion, the BJP reaffirms its commitment to honesty and legal integrity. We especially commend the Police Department, the District Administration, and the Mining Department for rising above political pressure and having the courage to file serious cases even against individuals close to the ruling party. This marks a positive beginning and shows that honest officers who uphold the law still exist within the system. We hope this action sets an example and that similar impartial and fearless enforcement continues going forward. The Bharatiya Janata Party has always stood for democracy, the rule of law, and moral values. We will continue to defend the rights of the people, no matter what it takes.