Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Odisha INDIA Bloc Escalates Protest Against MMDR Act
Several opposition parties in Odisha are joining together to protest a new mining law called the MMDR Act, 2026.
They want the law to be repealed.
The parties say it could hurt Odisha’s mineral resources and government revenue.
They also say it could increase corporate and tribal exploitation.
They plan protests across the state on August 25.
Meetings will be held before then to organize public support.
On September 9, they will decide whether to hold a statewide shutdown or economic blockade.
They are also asking for a special Odisha Assembly session and an all-party meeting.
Odisha’s INDIA Bloc announced a campaign demanding repeal of the MMDR Act, 2026.
The parties will observe a statewide Resistance Day with district- and constituency-level protests on August 25.
Joint district meetings and a public awareness campaign are planned for August 23 and 24.
A state-level convention on September 9 will consider further action, including an Odisha bandh and economic blockade.
The bloc says the legislation threatens Odisha’s mineral resources, revenues, federal rights and tribal communities.
- Who
- The Odisha INDIA Bloc, comprising the Congress, Left parties, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD, announced the campaign.
- What
- The parties are demanding repeal of the MMDR Act, 2026 and planning protests, a convention and possible further agitation.
- When
- Resistance Day is scheduled for August 25, preparatory meetings for August 23 and 24, and the state-level convention for September 9.
- Where
- The campaign will take place across Odisha, with the announcement made at Congress Bhavan.
- Why
- The bloc alleges that the legislation could harm Odisha’s mineral resources, revenue interests and federal rights while increasing corporate and tribal exploitation.
- Main demand
- Immediate repeal of the MMDR Act, 2026
- Resistance Day
- August 25, with district- and parliamentary constituency-level protests
- Mobilization
- Joint district meetings on August 23 and a statewide awareness campaign on August 24
- State convention
- September 9, to decide further agitational programmes
- Possible escalation
- An Odisha bandh and economic blockade if the legislation is not repealed
- Additional demands
- A special session of the Odisha Assembly and an all-party meeting
- Stated concerns
- Mineral resources, revenue interests, federal rights, corporate exploitation and tribal communities