Congress MLA Vimal Chudasama Accuses Gujarat Officials of Protecting Mineral Mafia

Ahmedabad : Somnath Congress MLA Vimal Chudasama has raised serious allegations against the rampant illegal mining in Gujarat, claiming that mineral mafias continue to operate with impunity in Chorwad. In a scathing statement, Chudasama directly accused Praveen Rathod and Lalit Rathod of being the key figures behind the mineral mafia in the region, asserting that they enjoy protection due to monthly payments made to authorities. Despite repeated complaints, no strict action has been taken, allowing large-scale mineral theft to continue unchecked.

Chudasama emphasized that the scale of illegal mining in Chorwad is so severe that the pits left behind could match the height of a two-story building. He criticized officials, stating that even after being fully aware of the situation, they refuse to act. “The secretary has all the information but remains silent. If officials do not listen to MLAs, how can we expect them to listen to the common people?” he questioned.

For years, Gujarat has struggled to curb the operations of the mineral mafia. Despite multiple appeals, authorities have largely limited their actions to the confiscation of equipment and the imposition of fines, which Chudasama claims does little to deter illegal mining. The MLA further alleged that these mafias exploit loopholes by issuing duplicate royalties, resulting in massive losses to the state treasury, amounting to crores of rupees.

Chudasama revealed that he has written to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel about the issue and even met him in person, but no meaningful action has been taken. Expressing frustration, he declared his intent to take the matter to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. “If no action is taken now, I will stage a protest in the Assembly. If necessary, we will also conduct a public raid on the spot,” he warned.

With such strong allegations coming from a sitting MLA, pressure is mounting on the state government to respond. The issue of mineral mafia control and the alleged inaction of authorities could become a significant political flashpoint in Gujarat in the coming days.