Former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSRCP leader Anil Kumar Yadav has made serious allegations of irregularities and alleged syndicate exploitation in the quartz mining sector. He said he was speaking based on complaints and information received from mining owners and warned that he would soon release complete evidence to substantiate his allegations.
Political Syndicate Allegedly Exploiting Mining Sector
Anil Kumar Yadav criticised the Chandrababu Naidu government, saying that while it claims to be creating wealth, some ruling-party leaders are allegedly “evaporating” that wealth.
He alleged that a syndicate involved in quartz exports was not only reducing government revenue but also causing severe losses to mining owners and workers.
According to the information he claimed to have received, mining owners were allegedly being subjected to additional collections of ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per tonne under the coalition government. He alleged that nearly ₹200 crore had already been collected illegally from mining owners.
Mining Owners Allegedly Under Pressure
Anil Kumar Yadav claimed that a large number of mining owners are exporters who are reportedly supportive of the TDP. Despite this, he alleged that they were also being subjected to intense pressure.
He said mining owners were being forced to increase their prices and sell quartz material because they did not want to lose orders from Chinese companies.
He questioned why additional collections were being imposed when mining operators were already paying all applicable taxes and obtaining the required legal permissions.
According to his allegations, some mining owners pay taxes of nearly ₹10 crore each, yet pressure on them allegedly continues.
Employment Opportunities Have Declined, Says Anil Kumar
The former minister also expressed concern over the decline in employment opportunities in the mining sector.
He claimed that currently, only around 300 workers are employed at each mine, whereas thousands of workers had employment opportunities during the previous YSRCP government.
He alleged that the reduction in mining activity has severely affected the livelihoods of workers dependent on the industry.
Mining Owners Allegedly Forced to Leave the Industry
Anil Kumar Yadav alleged that the alleged greed of the syndicate had forced several mining owners to abandon their mines.
He said mining operators had previously paid every rupee of tax imposed by the government and continued their businesses legally. However, he alleged that the current system of additional collections was pushing the industry into a crisis.
Allegations of a Political Syndicate and Special Collection Offices
The YSRCP leader alleged that a political syndicate was operating behind the alleged collections.
He claimed that information had reached him that certain individuals had set up separate offices specifically for making collections from mining operators.
Anil Kumar Yadav demanded that the individuals allegedly involved in the collections respond to these allegations.
Alleged Pressure to Sell Quartz to One Company
Anil Kumar Yadav further alleged that mining owners were being pressured to sell their quartz material exclusively to a company allegedly operated by a Chinese national.
He questioned why mining owners were allegedly being prevented from selling their material to other buyers and demanded that the government explain the reasons behind such restrictions.
He described the alleged involvement of a foreign individual or organisation in local mining activities as a serious matter requiring investigation.
Challenges Government to Order a CBI Probe
Anil Kumar Yadav challenged the government to order a CBI investigation if his allegations were found to be false.
He said he was prepared to face arrest if necessary and declared that he would publicly apologise if his allegations were proved to be untrue.
He also demanded a comprehensive investigation into complaints that mining owners were allegedly receiving threats from the DMG office.
He called for an investigation into the activities of an organisation referred to as Multi Element as well.
Questions Over Tenders and Transparency
The former minister questioned why tenders were allegedly not being invited for certain activities despite 50 years having passed.
He stressed the need for transparency in the utilisation of public resources and said the government must remove doubts that the system was being operated only to benefit a select group of individuals.
RTI Information Cited Over Quartz Exports
Anil Kumar Yadav said that his allegations were based on information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
He claimed that lakhs of tonnes of quartz were exported during the YSRCP government’s tenure, whereas exports had now declined significantly.
According to him, the decline in exports was affecting not only government revenue but also the employment of thousands of workers dependent on the mining sector.
Demand for Response from Local Representatives
The former minister urged elected representatives from the district to respond to the allegations and address the problems being faced by mining owners.
He clarified that he had no personal vendetta against anyone and said he was speaking on behalf of affected mining operators who had approached him with their grievances.
Demand for Probe into Illegal Mining and Siddhalayya Kona Activities
Anil Kumar Yadav demanded a comprehensive investigation into alleged illegal mining, collections and the involvement of foreign entities in the quartz mining sector.
He also called for action against alleged mining activities taking place in the Siddhalayya Kona area.
He warned that if the government failed to respond, he would soon bring complete evidence before the public.
Complaint to Central Government
Anil Kumar Yadav said he would also approach the Central Government with a complaint regarding his allegations that certain activities were allegedly being carried out in collusion with foreign individuals and could potentially harm the interests of the country.
He reiterated that the government should conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged quartz mining syndicate, illegal collections, foreign involvement and declining exports, and make the facts public.
