BY OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 24 May: The BJP has termed the record increase in mining revenue as the result of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s transparent policies and efficient management. Speaking to the media persons informally here on Saturday, BJP’s State president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt described this achievement as a strong rebuttal to those who previously viewed mining as a tool for exploitation while in power.
Bhatt asserted that under Dhami’s leadership, the state has witnessed remarkable success in revenue generation. He highlighted that the mining sector, once notorious for scams, mafia influence, and illegal activities, has now transformed into a major source of revenue for the state. Despite several attempts in the past to raise revenue from mining, the mining revenue remained below Rs 350 crore. However, it has now increased nearly fourfold.
RS MP credited Dhami’s governance and corruption-free administration over the past three years for this significant achievement. He emphasised that, like other sectors, mining has also been streamlined through honest and transparent policies, effectively curbing scams, brokerage, and mafia dominance.
Recalling past instances, Bhatt claimed that during Congress rule, the then chief ministers allegedly facilitated resource exploitation to sustain the government. He alleged that mining mafias openly attacked administrative and police officials, and that even Mother Ganga was declared a scrap canal to benefit certain groups. According to Bhatt, such actions led to the state’s revenue loss and a steep rise in construction costs for the common people.
The BJP MP further remarked that this mining revenue milestone delivers a severe setback to Congress, which, he claimed, engages in negative and self-serving politics. He asserted that the initiatives of the Dhami government are contributing significantly to the economic development of the state, benefiting the common people as well.
