‘Shadow Minister’ Row: BJP MLAs Clash with Dy CM Over Rampant Illegal Mining in Udhampur

Jammu, 05-03-2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today witnessed intense exchanges between Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and BJP MLAs RS Pathania and Pawan Gupta over the issue of illegal mining in Udhampur district. The session turned heated when RS Pathania, BJP MLA from Udhampur East, alleged that a “Shadow Minister” was operating in the district, facilitating illegal mining in areas that were never auctioned. He claimed to have submitted GPS-tagged images and relevant data proving illegal mining and accused the administration of inaction.

Reacting strongly to the allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary demanded proof, questioning the existence of the so-called Shadow Minister. He asserted that his department had taken strict action against illegal mining by transferring officers and intensifying enforcement. His response, however, failed to pacify the opposition, as BJP MLA Pawan Gupta joined the debate, alleging that the Deputy Chief Minister had been seen in photographs with individuals involved in illegal mining and needed to be more aware of the ground realities.

Pathania further raised concerns over the impact of illegal mining on infrastructure, warning that three bridges in Udhampur were on the verge of collapse due to unchecked mining activities. He called for immediate government intervention to prevent further damage.

Amidst the heated debate, the Government defended its actions and provided data to counter the allegations. In a written response to a query by MLA Dr. S Bashir Ahmad Veeri, the Mining Minister revealed that mining revenue had seen a significant rise over the past three years, increasing from Rs 101.17 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 175.47 crore in 2023-24, with Rs 118.80 crore collected up to January 2025. The Minister also reported a surge in penalties for mining violations, with fines rising from Rs 16.34 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 19.20 crore in 2023-24, and Rs 14.71 crore collected up to January 2025. Additionally, the authorities intensified their crackdown, leading to the seizure of 6,909 vehicles and machines in 2022-23, 7,018 in 2023-24, and 5,053 so far in 2024-25 up to January.

The Government rejected allegations of inaction and maintained that strict measures were being taken to curb illegal mining.