Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Naveen Patnaik Invokes Gen Z in Odisha Mining Protest
Naveen Patnaik led a protest in Bhubaneswar against a new mining law.
His party, the Biju Janata Dal, says the law could reduce Odisha’s control over money from its minerals.
The party says Odisha could lose thousands of crores of rupees every year.
Patnaik also criticized the central government and the ruling BJP government in Odisha.
He said young people, especially Gen Z, would remember how the state’s resources were handled.
Patnaik is 79 years old and has traditionally had more support from older voters and women.
He is now trying to connect more strongly with young people.
The protest was also part of the BJD’s preparations for the 2027 Panchayat elections.
Naveen Patnaik led his first major street protest since the Biju Janata Dal lost power in Odisha in 2024.
The protest opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
The Biju Janata Dal says the law could weaken Odisha’s taxation powers and cost the state thousands of crores annually.
Patnaik warned that “Gen Z will never forgive” the government for harming Odisha’s mineral resources.
The protest is part of Patnaik’s effort to attract younger voters ahead of the 2027 Panchayat elections.
- Who
- Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik led the protest, with his party opposing the law.
- What
- A major street protest was held against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
- When
- September 29, 2026; it was Patnaik’s first major street protest since the Biju Janata Dal lost power in 2024.
- Where
- Near Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Why
- The Biju Janata Dal says the amendment threatens Odisha’s taxation powers, mineral rights and future revenues.
Biju Janata Dal’s objections
Central and Odisha governments’ position
State revenue and authority
Biju Janata Dal’s objections
The Biju Janata Dal says the amendment will erode Odisha’s taxation powers over mineral rights and mineral-bearing land, causing major annual revenue losses.
Central and Odisha governments’ position
The article says the legislation was passed by Parliament, but it does not provide a detailed response or justification from the central or Odisha governments.
Legislative process
Biju Janata Dal’s objections
The Biju Janata Dal criticized the central government for passing the law without adequate discussion and demanded its complete withdrawal.
Central and Odisha governments’ position
The law was passed in Parliament; the article does not report a government response to the Biju Janata Dal’s criticism.
Youth and future resources
Biju Janata Dal’s objections
Patnaik frames the law as a threat to the resource security and financial independence of future generations, saying Gen Z will hold the government accountable.
Central and Odisha governments’ position
The article does not state how the governments or the BJP responded to Patnaik’s Gen Z argument.
- Protest leader
- Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal
- Legislation opposed
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026
- Biju Janata Dal’s concern
- The party says the amendment could weaken Odisha’s taxation powers over mineral rights and mineral-bearing land.
- Estimated impact
- The Biju Janata Dal says Odisha could lose thousands of crores of rupees annually.
- Protest location
- Near Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar
- Political timing
- The outreach comes ahead of the 2027 Panchayat elections.
- Additional Biju Janata Dal actions
- The party disrupted Odisha Assembly proceedings, demanded withdrawal of the law and sought a special Assembly session.