2 hrs ago
Naveen Patnaik vows fight against MMDR Act over Odisha rights
Naveen Patnaik spoke at a large political rally in Odisha.
He said a new mining law could reduce the state’s control over its minerals and land.
He also said Odisha might lose a lot of money from the law.
Patnaik asked people and political parties to oppose it together.
He criticized BJP lawmakers from Odisha for not speaking against the bill in Parliament.
Parliament passed the amendment bill in August 2026.
The law seeks to limit states’ power to collect taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land.
Patnaik said he would continue fighting the law to protect future generations.
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, at a rally outside the Odisha Assembly.
Patnaik said the legislation would weaken Odisha’s rights over its land and mineral resources.
He claimed Odisha could lose crores of rupees in revenue, including thousands of crores annually, under the new law.
Patnaik criticized Odisha’s BJP government and BJP MPs for allegedly remaining silent when Parliament passed the bill in August.
He urged Odisha’s people and political parties to jointly oppose the legislation, saying he would fight it until his last breath.
- Who
- BJD chief and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, addressing Odisha residents and political parties.
- What
- Patnaik called for repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, and pledged to oppose it.
- Where
- At a Biju Janata Dal rally outside the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar.
- When
- Monday, September 28; Parliament passed the amendment bill in August 2026.
- Why
- Patnaik said the law would restrict Odisha’s rights over land and minerals and reduce the state’s revenue.
BJD and Naveen Patnaik
Legislation and Ruling Establishment
State control over resources
BJD and Naveen Patnaik
Patnaik said Odisha’s people are the rightful owners of the state’s land and minerals and that the law takes away the state’s legitimate rights.
Legislation and Ruling Establishment
The amendment seeks to restrict states’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The report does not provide a direct response from the BJP or Odisha government.
Financial impact
BJD and Naveen Patnaik
Patnaik claimed Odisha would lose crores of rupees in revenue, including thousands of crores annually, if the law is implemented.
Legislation and Ruling Establishment
The report presents this as Patnaik’s claim and does not include an opposing estimate or explanation from the law’s supporters.
Political response
BJD and Naveen Patnaik
Patnaik urged people and political parties to jointly oppose the legislation and criticized BJP MPs and the state government for remaining silent.
Legislation and Ruling Establishment
The report says the bill was passed by Parliament but does not state the BJP’s or Odisha government’s justification for their position.
Key facts
- Legislation
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026
- Main opposition
- BJD chief Naveen Patnaik called for repeal of the law.
- Patnaik’s revenue claim
- He said Odisha could lose crores of rupees, including thousands of crores annually.
- Parliamentary action
- Parliament passed the amendment bill in August 2026.
- Effect described in report
- The legislation seeks to restrict states’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
- Rally location
- Outside the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar
- Political criticism
- Patnaik accused Odisha’s BJP government and BJP MPs of remaining silent during passage of the bill.
Quotes
Naveen Patnaik
BJD chief and former Odisha chief minister
“I call upon all to join hands and oppose the MMDR Act for the future of our Gen Z. Odisha’s future generations will not forgive us if we do not fight against this law which takes away our legitimate and rights.”
theprint.in
“Why are Odisha’s BJP government and the 20-odd party MPs silent while the state stands to lose thousands of crores of rupees annually due to this Act?”
theprint.in
Sources
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