Archive · 24 Sep 2026
BJD to Hold Odisha Protest Against MMDR Act September 28
The Biju Janata Dal plans a large protest in Bhubaneswar on September 28.
The protest will be held at Lower PMG.
Party leader Naveen Patnaik is expected to attend.
The BJD wants the MMDR Amendment Act to be withdrawn.
It calls the law a “black law.”
BJD leaders say the law reduces Odisha’s rights over its mines and minerals.
They also say Odisha could have received large amounts of money after a Supreme Court ruling.
BJP leaders in Odisha disagree and say the state could benefit from the law.
The Biju Janata Dal announced a mass protest in Bhubaneswar on September 28.
BJD president Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to attend the meeting at Lower PMG.
The party is demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, calling it a “black law.”
BJD leaders say the Act weakens states’ control over mines and mineral-bearing lands.
The party claims Odisha could lose potential revenue following the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling on mineral taxes.
- Who
- The Biju Janata Dal, led by Naveen Patnaik, is organising the protest.
- What
- A mass demonstration demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act.
- When
- September 28; the year is not specified in the article.
- Where
- Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Why
- The BJD says the Act removes states’ rights over mines and mineral-bearing lands and harms Odisha’s potential revenue.
BJD’s Position
BJP Leaders’ Position
Impact on Odisha
BJD’s Position
The BJD says the MMDR Amendment Act harms Odisha’s interests and takes away states’ rights over mines and mineral-bearing lands.
BJP Leaders’ Position
BJP leaders in Odisha have said the state will benefit rather than suffer losses from the Act.
Federal Structure
BJD’s Position
The BJD describes the legislation as an attack on India’s federal structure and calls for its withdrawal.
BJP Leaders’ Position
The article does not provide a detailed BJP response on the federalism issue.
Mineral Revenue
BJD’s Position
The BJD says the Act deprived Odisha of an opportunity to receive potential arrears of Rs 1 lakh crore and annual revenue of Rs 12,000 crore.
BJP Leaders’ Position
BJP leaders’ reported position is that Odisha would gain rather than lose from implementing the Act.
- Organiser
- Biju Janata Dal
- Protest date
- September 28
- Venue
- Lower PMG, Bhubaneswar
- Expected participant
- BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik
- BJD demand
- Repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act
- Supreme Court ruling cited
- On July 25, 2024, states were ruled able to impose taxes and levies on mines and minerals
- Potential revenue cited by BJD
- Rs 1 lakh crore in arrears and Rs 12,000 crore annually