1 week ago
INDIA Bloc Begins Odisha Protests Against MMDR Amendment Act
The INDIA bloc is a group of opposition parties in Odisha.
It is protesting a change to a law about mines and mineral resources.
The group says the change could hurt Odisha and reduce the money the state receives.
It will organize rallies and torchlight marches across the state.
Congress also wanted a special meeting of the Odisha Assembly to discuss the issue.
The government rejected that request.
Opposition leaders say they may organize a statewide shutdown in September.
They also plan more demonstrations, including protests near BJP lawmakers’ homes.
The Congress-led INDIA bloc will hold rallies and torchlight processions across Odisha against the MMDR Amendment Act.
The alliance says the amendment could harm Odisha’s future, resources and people’s rights.
Opposition parties demanded a special session of the Odisha Assembly, but the state government rejected the request.
Congress alleges Odisha could lose around Rs 10,000 crore or more in annual revenue after the Bill’s passage.
The INDIA bloc warned it could call an Odisha-wide shutdown in September if the government does not withdraw the amendment.
- Who
- The Congress-led INDIA bloc, including Odisha Congress leaders and other opposition parties, is protesting the amendment against the BJP-led Odisha government.
- What
- The alliance will organize rallies, torchlight processions and further demonstrations against the MMDR Amendment Act.
- Where
- Across Odisha, from Bhubaneswar and the state capital to the panchayat level.
- When
- The protests begin Monday; the alliance warned of an Odisha Bandh in September if the amendment is not withdrawn.
- Why
- The opposition alleges the amendment threatens Odisha’s revenue, resources and people’s rights, and wants it discussed in a special Assembly session.
INDIA Bloc and Congress
BJP-Led Odisha Government
Impact of the amendment
INDIA Bloc and Congress
Opposition leaders say the amendment could damage Odisha’s future, reduce state revenue and transfer control of the state’s natural resources to the Central government.
BJP-Led Odisha Government
The BJP-led Odisha government has not stated its position on these allegations in the article.
Special Assembly session
INDIA Bloc and Congress
Congress demanded a special session to discuss what it called a Bill against Odisha’s interests.
BJP-Led Odisha Government
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling rejected the demand for a special session; the article does not give his reasons.
Next steps
INDIA Bloc and Congress
The INDIA bloc plans statewide protests and may call an Odisha Bandh in September if the amendment is not withdrawn.
BJP-Led Odisha Government
The state government’s response to the planned protests and shutdown warning is not provided.
Key facts
- Protest organizers
- The Congress-led INDIA bloc
- Main activities
- Rallies and torchlight processions across Odisha
- Assembly demand
- Congress sought a special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly
- Government response
- Odisha Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling rejected the demand
- Revenue claim
- Congress estimates annual losses of around Rs 10,000 crore or more
- Possible escalation
- The alliance warned of an Odisha Bandh in September
- Further protests
- Congress said demonstrations could extend to the panchayat level and include gheraoing BJP MPs’ houses
Quotes
Santosh Singh Saluja
Former MLA and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee Vice-President (Organisation)
“After coming to power in the name of "Odia Asmita", the government was handing over all of Odisha's wealth and resources, including water, forests, land, mines and mineral resources, to the Central government”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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