TFP Bureau, Korba; March 26, 2024: Mrs. Jyotsna Charandas Mahant, Member of Parliament for the Korba Lok Sabha constituency and Congress candidate, intensified her engagement with the residents of Korba assembly constituency on Friday. Accompanied by Block Congress Committee President Dushyant Sharma, she visited various areas including Balco Nagar Ward 35, 36, 37, 39, Ward 40 and 41 Lalghat, Amla Garden, Nehru Nagar, Durga Pandal, Main Chowk, Parsabhatha, and Durga Pandal Chowk below the market to interact with the locals, understand their issues, and assess their conditions.
Mrs. Mahant raised concerns over the alleged neglect of the Balco Company by the BJP government, citing the sale of its shares to Vedanta. She criticized Vedanta for prioritizing self-interest and highlighted the retrenchment and forced transfer of Balco employees. According to her, only 800 regular employees are currently working in the company, and locals are not being adequately employed by Vedanta, despite her repeated appeals in Parliament.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Mahant underscored the rising problem of unemployment among youth, emphasizing that workers are not even receiving minimum wages. She expressed dismay over the lack of employment opportunities for displaced landowners and criticized the government for demolishing houses without proper resettlement plans.
The MP also highlighted environmental concerns, including pollution and ash-related issues, and lamented the absence of basic amenities for local residents. She criticized the lack of significant benefits from corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the community.
Moreover, Mrs. Mahant criticized the cessation of annual events such as the Ramlila Mahotsav and sports events by Balco management, stating that it reflects a disregard for local youth development.
During her engagement, Mrs. Mahant raised concerns over election donations received by political parties, particularly highlighting the alleged nexus between the Vedanta Group and the BJP. She claimed that Vedanta had donated over Rs 400 crore, with a significant portion directed towards the BJP, suggesting a connection between the donations and government approvals for expansion projects.
The event was attended by local Congress members, ward residents, and community leaders, including Mrs. Sapna Chauhan, Vikas Dalmia, and UNC leader Ruby Tiwari.
