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BJD Plans Odisha Protest Over MMDR Amendment Act
The Biju Janata Dal, or BJD, is protesting a new mining law.
It plans to hold a large demonstration in Bhubaneswar on September 9.
The party wants the law withdrawn.
BJD leaders say the law could reduce Odisha’s mining income.
They also say it may hurt tribal communities living near mining areas.
The party wants the governor to call a special meeting of the state Assembly to discuss the law.
Other opposition parties are planning meetings and rallies across Odisha.
The BJP says the law will help the state and that the opposition is misleading people.
The BJD will hold a mass dharna outside Odisha’s Lok Bhavan on September 9.
The party will seek withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
BJD says the law restricts states from imposing additional taxes on mineral rights and harms Odisha’s interests.
The party will ask the governor to summon a special Assembly session under Article 174.
INDIA Bloc parties announced conventions, rallies and possible further protests, while the BJP called their claims misleading.
- Who
- The opposition Biju Janata Dal, supported by INDIA Bloc parties, is organizing protests; the BJP supports the mining law.
- What
- The BJD will hold a dharna and seek withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
- Where
- The main protest will take place outside Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with other events across the state.
- When
- The main dharna is scheduled for September 9; additional rallies are planned from September 18 through September 29.
- Why
- The BJD and allied opposition parties say the Act threatens Odisha’s mining revenue and tribal interests, while the BJP says it will benefit the state.
Opposition Parties
Ruling BJP
Effect on Odisha
Opposition Parties
The BJD and INDIA Bloc say the Act is anti-Odisha, could reduce state mining revenue and is against the interests of the state’s people.
Ruling BJP
The BJP says the new mining law will be beneficial for Odisha.
Impact on tribal communities
Opposition Parties
The opposition says the law particularly harms tribal communities in mining areas and is seeking the governor’s intervention to protect them.
Ruling BJP
The BJP has criticized the protests as misleading but the report does not provide a separate detailed position on tribal protections.
Parliamentary and Assembly debate
Opposition Parties
The BJD alleges the Act was passed hurriedly without discussion and is demanding a special session of the Odisha Assembly.
Ruling BJP
The BJP has condemned opposition protests; the report does not state whether it supports convening a special Assembly session.
Key facts
- Main protest
- BJD mass dharna outside Lok Bhavan on September 9
- Legislation opposed
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026
- BJD demand
- Immediate withdrawal of the new mining legislation
- Assembly request
- The governor should summon a special session under Article 174
- Revenue claim
- BJD alleges Odisha could lose around Rs 1 lakh crore in outstanding dues and approximately Rs 12,000 crore annually in mining revenue
- Additional protests
- INDIA Bloc rallies are planned in Sundargarh, Rayagada, Keonjhar and Angul, plus a Vidhan Sabha Gherao on September 29
- Government position
- The ruling BJP says the law will benefit Odisha and accuses the opposition of misleading people
Quotes
Debi Prasad Mishra
BJD senior vice-president who announced the September 9 protest
“We will hold massive rallies against the Act in Sundargarh on September 18, in Rayagada on September 21, in Keonjhar on September 24 and in Angul on September 26. This apart, the INDIA Bloc parties will also organise a Vidhan Sabha Gherao programme on September 29.”
theprint.in
“The party leaders and workers will stage a dharna outside the Lok Bhavan on September 9 and submit a memorandum to the President through the Odisha governor, demanding immediate withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.”
theprint.in
Sources
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