18 hrs ago
BJP, BJD Clash Over Mining Donations and Amended Law
Odisha’s BJP and BJD are arguing about mining laws and political donations.
The BJP says mining companies gave most of the money donated to the BJD.
It wants the BJD to explain why those companies contributed so much.
The BJD says its donations were legal and transparent.
It also asks the BJP to disclose how much money it received from companies.
The two parties disagree about a new mining law passed by Parliament.
The BJP says the BJD and Congress avoided discussing the law in the Assembly.
The BJD says the BJP changed the law to help large companies.
The Assembly session ended early after repeated disruptions.
The Odisha BJP alleged that mining companies contributed Rs 682 crore, or nearly 88%, of the BJD’s reported Rs 775 crore in donations.
The BJP accused the BJD and Congress of disrupting Assembly proceedings and avoiding debate on the amended Mines and Minerals law.
The BJD said its donations were transparently received and challenged the BJP to disclose its corporate-sector contributions.
The BJP cited CAG findings alleging approximately Rs 2,880 crore in District Mineral Foundation funds were misused during the previous BJD government.
The Odisha Assembly’s monsoon session ended four days early after repeated disruptions over the amended mining legislation.
- Who
- The Odisha BJP, Biju Janata Dal, Congress, and their leaders and spokespersons.
- What
- The parties disputed political donations, alleged misuse of mining-related funds, and the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
- Where
- Odisha, particularly the state Legislative Assembly and Bhubaneswar.
- When
- The dispute followed Odisha’s monsoon Assembly session, which ended on Monday; the report is dated September 30.
- Why
- Opposition parties objected to the amended mining law, while the BJP questioned BJD donations from mining companies and alleged irregularities in mining-related funds.
BJD and Congress
BJP
Mining law
BJD and Congress
The parties argue that the amended law takes rights over mineral-bearing land away from states, weakens their financial autonomy, and benefits mining companies.
BJP
The BJP supports the amended legislation and says the opposition is misleading the public about its effect on mining-affected areas.
Political donations
BJD and Congress
The BJD says it received donations transparently from different sectors, committed no illegality, and asks the BJP to disclose its corporate contributions.
BJP
The BJP alleges that mining companies provided Rs 682 crore, nearly 88% of the BJD’s reported donations, and demands an explanation for the contributions.
District Mineral Foundation funds
BJD and Congress
The BJD rejects the allegation of misuse, saying funds were spent where they were most needed and accusing the BJP of presenting incorrect figures.
BJP
The BJP says a CAG report identified serious irregularities and alleged approximately Rs 2,880 crore in misappropriated DMF funds during the BJD’s tenure.
Key facts
- BJD donations cited by BJP
- Rs 775 crore
- Mining-company donations cited by BJP
- Rs 682 crore, nearly 88% of the BJD total
- Amended law
- Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026
- Assembly session
- Odisha’s monsoon session was adjourned sine die four days ahead of schedule
- DMF funds alleged by BJP
- Approximately Rs 2,880 crore allegedly misappropriated, according to the BJP’s reading of a CAG report
- Shah Commission estimate
- Its 2014 report said minerals worth Rs 60,000 crore were illegally extracted in Odisha between 2008 and 2011
- Main dispute
- Opposition parties say the amended law weakens mineral-rich states, while the BJP defends the amendments and criticizes the BJD’s record
Quotes
Debi Prasad Mishra
Senior BJD vice-president
“Of the Rs 775 crore donations received by the BJD, Rs 682 crore, nearly 88 per cent, came from mining companies. The BJD must explain why mining firms had made such substantial contributions to the party and whether the donations were linked to the alleged waiver of penalty dues recommended by the Justice M B Shah Commission.”
theprint.in
“The BJD has not indulged in any illegality. Like BJP and other parties across the country, the BJD has received donations from different sectors. We received funds in a transparent manner.”
theprint.in
Lekhasri Samantsinghar
BJD leader
“They should read the CAG report first before levelling allegations. The BJD government has not misutilised DMF funds. It spent money at places where it is most needed.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Odisha Mining Law Sparks Fresh Centre-State Tussle
Naveen Patnaik Leads Odisha Protest Against MMDR Amendment Act
BJD to Hold Odisha Protest Against MMDR Act September 28
Odisha Opposition Demands Repeal of MMDR Amendment Act
BJD Plans Odisha Protest Over MMDR Amendment Act
Congress urges fearless fight over amended mining law
Proposed Urdu Festival at Vidhana Soudha Triggers Karnataka Language Row
BJP chief Nitin Nabin meets Sri Lankan JVP delegation
Adhir urges Mamata to rejoin Congress amid TMC crisis
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring Steps Down As Punjab Congress Chief
Kerala Minister’s Vehicle Attacked Amid Escalating Student Clashes
