BJD Holds Bhubaneswar Protest Against MMDR Amendment Act

BJD Holds Bhubaneswar Protest Against MMDR Amendment Act

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest march in Bhubaneswar on September 28, demanding the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. BJD president and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, participated in the protest and addressed party workers.

Naveen Patnaik said the party was protesting over what it described as concerns regarding Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources. He alleged that the amended legislation could affect the state’s financial interests and criticised the passage of the Bill in Parliament.

Naveen Patnaik also questioned the response of the Odisha government and said he had written to CM Mohan Charan Majhi seeking a special session of the Assembly and a resolution opposing the amendment. He said no response had been received to his requests.

The BJD has also alleged that the amendment could result in substantial revenue losses for Odisha. The party has called for political unity against the legislation and said its agitation would continue until the Act is withdrawn.

BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra described the protest as an expression of concern over the impact of the amended law on Odisha’s mining sector. The party has cited Odisha’s significant share of India’s mineral resources while opposing the legislation.

BJD leader Sujata Rout Karthikeyan also referred to the Supreme Court’s July 25, 2024 judgment concerning states’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land. She alleged that the 2026 amendment could affect the financial resources expected by the state from mineral-related taxation.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 12. The government has said the amendments are intended to facilitate mineral exploration and development, particularly of critical and strategic minerals, and provide greater flexibility to mining lease holders.

The government has also maintained that the amendment does not remove states’ rights over land and minerals or their power to levy mineral taxes. According to the government, around 90% of taxes and statutory payments from mining currently accrue to states and this arrangement will continue.