Naveen Patnaik Mobilizes Opposition Against MMDR Act in Odisha
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik urges a united front against the MMDR Amendment Act, citing potential financial losses for Odisha.
Naveen Patnaik leads protests against the MMDR Amendment Act in Odisha.
He criticizes the BJP for its silence and lack of discussion on the bill's implications.
BJD plans to expand opposition efforts to district levels and halt mineral transportation.
On September 28, 2026, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik spearheaded a significant demonstration outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly, urging party members and other political factions to resist the implementation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2026. Patnaik's rally highlighted his concerns over the financial repercussions this legislation could have on the state, targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their perceived negligence regarding Odisha's interests.
Patnaik expressed his discontent with the BJP's handling of the MMDR Amendment Bill, emphasizing that it is not merely another piece of legislation but one that directly affects the rights of the people of Odisha. He lamented the lack of parliamentary discussion prior to its passage and questioned the silence of Odisha's BJP MPs, suggesting their inaction was detrimental to the state's welfare. "The people of Odisha are the rightful owners of our mines and land," he stated, urging for a more robust defense of local interests.
In his address, Patnaik criticized the Odisha government for its lack of response to his requests for a special assembly session to discuss the Act. He argued that the financial losses resulting from the Act could amount to thousands of crores annually, questioning why the government remains unresponsive to such critical issues. He called on all political parties to unite in the fight against the MMDR Amendment Act, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Odisha's resources for future generations.
Former IAS officer Sujata Rout, who recently joined the BJD, echoed Patnaik's sentiments, asserting that the mineral sector's revenue could have significantly advanced Odisha's development in areas such as irrigation, education, and infrastructure. She criticized the BJP's claims of increased mining revenue, attributing the growth from ₹5,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore to Patnaik's leadership rather than BJP policies. Rout highlighted that the opening of the mining sector to auction primarily benefited Odisha, contrasting it with other mineral-rich states.
The BJD has announced plans to escalate their opposition to the MMDR Act at the district level, with intentions to disrupt mineral transportation from mines. Additionally, leaders from the INDIA Block have organized another large demonstration in Bhubaneswar scheduled for September 29, further indicating the rising tensions surrounding the controversial legislation.
