SP men allege illegal mining, reservation scam & devpt failures in Banda

Jhansi: Samajwadi Party functionaries launched a scathing attack on theBJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state during a joint pressconference held in Banda on Monday, alleging rampant illegal mining,corruption, reservation irregularities and failure of key public welfareschemes.Addressing the media, former Rajya Sabha MP and minister Vishambhar PrasadNishad, sitting Banda-Chitrakoot MP Krishna Devi Patel alleged that risinginflation, unemployment and crimes against women have worsened under BJPrule. They claimed that large-scale illegal sand mining is being carriedout in the Ken, Bagen and Yamuna rivers with political patronage, causingsevere environmental damage and endangering public safety.The leaders alleged that mining mafias, in collusion with local BJPleaders, have been extracting sand beyond permitted limits, altering rivercourses and damaging agricultural land and public roads. They furtherclaimed that several drowning incidents in abandoned mining pits haveresulted in fatalities in recent years.Vishambhar Prasad Nishad accused the state government of depriving OBC, SCand ST candidates of their rightful share in public recruitment throughwhat he termed a “PDA reservation scam.” He cited alleged irregularities inmultiple recruitment drives, including teacher, revenue and agriculturalassistant appointments, and demanded a thorough investigation.

The opposition leaders also criticized the severe shortfalls in theimplementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, alleging that roads across urbanand rural areas were dug up for pipeline work but not restored properly.They claimed that despite official records showing completion of projects,many areas are yet to receive a regular water supply.The leaders further questioned the functioning of Rani Laxmi Bai MedicalCollege in Banda, alleging shortages of specialist doctors and inadequatehealthcare facilities. They warned that unchecked mining and deforestationcould cause irreversible environmental damage and appealed to residents toprotect the region’s natural resources while holding the governmentaccountable.Jhansi: Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led govts at the Centre and in the state, the Samajwadi Party functionaries alleging rampant illegal mining, corruption, reservation irregularities and failure of key public welfare schemes.Addressing the media during a joint press conference held in Banda on Monday, former Rajya Sabha MP and minister Vishambhar Prasad Nishad and sitting Banda-Chitrakoot MP Krishna Devi Patel alleged that rising inflation, unemployment and crimes against women have worsened under BJP rule. They claimed that large-scale illegal sand mining is being carried out in the Ken, Bagen and Yamuna rivers with political patronage, causing severe environmental damage and endangering public safety.The leaders alleged that mining mafias, in collusion with local BJP leaders, have been extracting sand beyond permitted limits, altering river courses and damaging agricultural land and public roads. They further claimed that several drowning incidents in abandoned mining pits have resulted in fatalities in recent years.Vishambhar Prasad Nishad accused the state govt of PDA reservation scam and depriving OBC, SC and ST candidates of their rightful share in public recruitment.He cited alleged irregularities in multiple recruitment drives, including teacher, revenue and agricultural assistant appointments, and demanded a thorough investigation.The opposition leaders also criticised the shortfalls in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, alleging that roads across urban and rural areas were dug up for pipeline work but not restored properly.They claimed that despite official records showing completion of projects, many areas are yet to receive a regular water supply.The leaders further questioned the functioning of Rani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Banda, alleging shortages of specialist doctors and inadequate healthcare facilities.