The Congress party has leveled serious allegations against the Madhya Pradesh government, accusing it of forging Gram Sabha consent to facilitate mining operations in the Singrauli district. The controversy, dubbed 'Angootha Chori' (theft of thumbprints), centers on claims that the consent of local village assemblies was obtained through fraudulent means, bypassing the legal requirement for community approval under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).
Allegations of Forged Consent
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Narendra Saluja alleged that the state government had manipulated the consent process for mining leases in Singrauli, a region rich in coal reserves. He claimed that thumbprints of villagers were forged to create a false record of Gram Sabha approval. 'The government has committed a grave injustice by stealing the thumbprints of tribals and villagers to grant mining licenses. This is a clear violation of the PESA Act, which mandates that any mining activity in scheduled areas must have the prior consent of the Gram Sabha,' Saluja said.
According to Congress, the alleged irregularities came to light after local activists filed complaints with the district administration. The party has demanded a thorough investigation by a high-level committee, including representatives from the tribal community, and the immediate suspension of mining operations in the affected areas until the matter is resolved.
Government's Response
The Madhya Pradesh government has dismissed the allegations as baseless. State Mining Minister Rajendra Shukla asserted that all mining leases in Singrauli have been granted following due process. 'The Congress is making false accusations to divert attention from its own failures. Every mining lease has been approved after proper verification of Gram Sabha resolutions. We have nothing to hide,' Shukla said. He added that the government would take legal action against those spreading misinformation.
The district administration of Singrauli has also denied any wrongdoing. District Collector R. Ilangovan stated that the consent process is meticulously documented and that no complaints of forgery have been officially received. 'If there is any evidence of forgery, we will investigate. But so far, no such complaint has been filed with us,' he said.
Legal and Environmental Implications
The PESA Act, enacted to protect the rights of tribal communities in scheduled areas, requires that any land acquisition or mining project must obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of the Gram Sabha. Violations can lead to cancellation of leases and legal penalties. Environmental activists have also raised concerns about the impact of mining in Singrauli, which is already one of India's most polluted industrial zones. The region has seen numerous protests against coal mining and thermal power plants, citing health hazards and displacement of local communities.
Congress has pointed out that the alleged forgery could have serious legal consequences. 'If the consent is found to be forged, all mining leases granted on that basis should be declared null and void. The companies involved must also be held accountable,' Saluja said. The party has threatened to approach the courts if the government does not act.
Political Context
The allegations come ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, with both Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking to consolidate tribal votes. Singrauli, with a significant tribal population, is a politically sensitive region. Congress has accused the BJP-led state government of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of tribals. The BJP, in turn, has accused Congress of stoking unnecessary controversies.
Local tribal leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Some have supported the Congress allegations, claiming that their consent was never sought. Others have said that the Gram Sabha meetings were conducted properly and that the resolutions were passed unanimously. 'We are caught in the middle of this political fight. Our real concerns about land and livelihood are being ignored,' said a village headman who did not wish to be named.
Next Steps
The Congress has announced that it will submit a memorandum to the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, demanding an independent inquiry. The party also plans to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated its stance that the mining operations are legal and will continue. The controversy is expected to intensify as the election campaign heats up.
