Archive · 24 Aug 2026
INDIA Bloc Calls Odisha Resistance Day Against MMDR Amendment
The INDIA bloc is a group of political parties in Odisha.
It is protesting a new law about mines and minerals.
The parties held a torchlight march in Bhubaneswar.
They want the law to be cancelled.
The leaders say Odisha depends heavily on its mineral resources.
They believe the law could give the central government more control.
They also worry that Odisha could lose revenue and that people near mines could lose rights.
The bloc has asked people across the state to join the protest on August 25.
The INDIA bloc announced a statewide Resistance Day in Odisha for August 25.
Constituent parties held a torchlight procession in Bhubaneswar ahead of the protest.
Leaders demanded repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
They said the law could increase central control over Odisha’s mineral resources.
The bloc claimed the amendment threatens state revenue, federalism and mining-affected communities’ rights.
- Who
- The INDIA bloc and its constituent parties, including Congress, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) and Forward Bloc leaders.
- What
- A statewide Resistance Day was called for August 25 to demand repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
- When
- A torchlight procession was held on Monday, ahead of the August 25 protest.
- Where
- The procession took place in Bhubaneswar, with the planned protest covering Odisha.
- Why
- The bloc says the amendment could undermine Odisha’s economic and constitutional rights, reduce state revenue, weaken federalism and affect mining-affected communities.
- Protest date
- August 25
- Location of procession
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Target of protest
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026
- Main demand
- Immediate repeal of the amended law
- Stated concern
- Greater central control over Odisha’s mineral resources
- Other concerns
- State revenue, federalism and rights of people in mining-affected areas
- Participants
- INDIA bloc leaders, hundreds of party workers and supporters