MLAs vow to take bauxite mine demand to CM, Kalahandi’s struggle gains political momentum

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 25, 2025

In a powerful assertion of economic justice and regional equity, two legislators — Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi, MLA of Dharmagarh, and Nilamadhaba Hikaka, MLA of Bissam Cuttack (Rayagada) — today pledged to escalate the long-pending demand for opening of bauxite mines in Lanjigarh to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha. Their assurances come a day after Lanjigarh MLA Pradip Kumar Dishari also committed to personally raise the issue at the highest level, underscoring that responsible bauxite mining is both an economic necessity and a social imperative.

The renewed political push follows a massive demonstration under the banner of Lanjigarh Anchalik Vikash Parishad (LAVP), where nearly 5,000 villagers, youth, women, and community leaders staged a protest in Lanjigarh last Friday. With placards proclaiming “Deshara Bauxite, Deshara Vikas” and “Open Our Mines, Secure Our Future,” protesters made it clear that further delay in mine operations would deepen poverty, hunger, and distress migration.

“The survival of more than three lakh people in Kalahandi depends on this. Our youth are migrating, our families are struggling, and our future is uncertain. I assure the people of Kalahandi that I will raise this issue with the Hon’ble Chief Minister so that our voices are heard at the highest level,” said MLA Pattjoshi, stressing that Odisha sits atop some of the world’s richest bauxite reserves while India continues to import millions of tonnes annually, costing the exchequer thousands of crores.

Echoing his concern, MLA Nilamadhaba Hikaka emphasized that the demand transcends district boundaries. “This is not just a Kalahandi issue; it is a lifeline for Rayagada and the entire region. If mining is done responsibly, with the safeguards mandated by the Supreme Court, it can generate employment, improve infrastructure, and uplift communities. I stand with the people in this rightful demand and assure I will take this matter to the Chief Minister without delay.”

The lawmakers’ commitment has infused fresh optimism into Kalahandi, a district that despite holding vast mineral wealth continues to record one of the lowest per capita incomes in Odisha. With over 5 billion tonnes of reserves, India still imports more than 4.5 million tonnes of bauxite every year at a cost of ₹4,000–5,000 crore. Meanwhile, Kalahandi’s youth are forced to migrate for low-wage jobs in other states due to lack of opportunities at home.

Community leaders of LAVP reiterated that the convening of a long-pending Gram Sabha is crucial to move forward responsibly — ensuring ecological safeguards, community participation, and a dedicated development fund for locals.

With three MLAs now publicly backing the cause, the agitation has gained significant political traction. For the people of Kalahandi, long denied the benefits of their own resources, the assurances mark a turning point in a decades-long struggle. The coming weeks will decide whether Odisha’s bauxite-rich soil can finally be harnessed for local development and dignity.