1 week ago
Mahaling Rejects Special Session Demand Over Mining Bill
Odisha’s Opposition parties want the state Assembly to meet specially to discuss a new mining law.
They say the law could hurt Odisha’s money and control over its minerals.
Minister Mukesh Mahaling said a special meeting is not needed.
He said the issue can be discussed during the next Monsoon session.
Congress leaders estimated that Odisha could lose about Rs 10,000 crore each year.
They also warned of large losses involving unpaid amounts.
The BJD questioned why Odisha’s BJP lawmakers did not oppose the bill in Parliament.
Congress said it may organize protests across the state.
The government and Opposition therefore disagree about both the law’s effects and when it should be debated.
Odisha Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling rejected demands for a special Assembly session on the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill.
Mahaling said the issue could be discussed during the upcoming Monsoon session, which he said would be convened soon.
BJD and Congress leaders called the legislation “anti-Odisha” and sought a special session and an all-party meeting.
Congress claimed Odisha could lose about Rs 10,000 crore in annual revenue and face substantial arrears-related losses.
BJD alleged that Odisha’s BJP MPs stayed silent during the bill’s passage and that the legislation could shift control of mining revenue to the Centre.
- Who
- Odisha Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the BJD, the Congress, and Odisha’s BJP MPs.
- What
- The minister rejected demands for a special Assembly session and an all-party meeting on the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill.
- Where
- Odisha, with the legislation having been passed in Parliament.
- When
- The rejection was announced on Sunday; the bill was recently passed by Parliament, and the Monsoon session is expected soon.
- Why
- The government says the issue can be discussed in the upcoming Monsoon session, while the Opposition says the bill threatens Odisha’s revenue and control over its mineral resources.
Opposition parties
Odisha government and BJP
Need for a special session
Opposition parties
The BJD and Congress want the Assembly convened immediately, along with an all-party meeting, to debate the mining legislation.
Odisha government and BJP
Minister Mukesh Mahaling said a special session is unnecessary because the matter can be discussed during the upcoming Monsoon session.
Impact of the mining bill
Opposition parties
The Opposition describes the bill as “anti-Odisha” and says it could reduce state revenue and centralize control over Odisha’s mineral resources.
Odisha government and BJP
The government rejected the demand for a special session but did not, in the reported statement, provide a detailed response to the Opposition’s revenue claims.
Role of Odisha’s BJP MPs
Opposition parties
The BJD alleges that Odisha’s 25 BJP MPs remained silent during the bill’s passage and sacrificed the state’s interests for party interests.
Odisha government and BJP
The reported government response focuses on the timing of Assembly debate; no direct response from the BJP MPs to the allegation is provided.
Key facts
- Minister’s position
- Mukesh Mahaling said there was no need for a special session.
- Proposed forum
- The government said the mining bill could be discussed during the upcoming Monsoon session.
- Opposition demand
- Naveen Patnaik and Ram Chandra Kadam sought a special session and an all-party meeting.
- Congress revenue estimate
- Congress claimed Odisha could lose about Rs 10,000 crore in revenue annually.
- Bill status
- The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill was recently passed by Parliament.
- Potential protests
- Congress whip Razen Ekka said demonstrations and protests outside BJP MPs’ houses were planned.
Quotes
Santosh Singh Saluja
Vice-president of the Odisha Congress
“It is very unfortunate that the minister has rejected the Congress’ demand for a special session on the MMDR bill. The State will lose about Rs 10,000 crore in revenue annually and will also have to bear the loss of lakhs of crores of rupees in arrears”
thehansindia.com
“There will be demonstrations in the State, from the State capital to gram panchayats, and the houses of all BJP MPs will also be surrounded in the coming days.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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