Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Naveen Patnaik Leads Odisha Protest Against MMDR Amendment Act
Naveen Patnaik led a large protest in Bhubaneswar against a new mining law.
His party, the BJD, wants the law repealed.
Patnaik said Odisha’s people should control the state’s land and minerals.
He warned that Odisha could lose a lot of mining money every year.
He criticized the BJP government and its MPs from Odisha for not opposing the bill.
He said he had asked for a special Assembly meeting, but received no response.
The Union government says the law will help mining and will not take away states’ rights.
Patnaik promised to keep fighting the law, saying future generations would not forgive leaders who failed to protect Odisha’s interests.
Naveen Patnaik led a large BJD rally in Bhubaneswar demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
Patnaik said the law threatens Odisha’s rights over its land, minerals and mining revenue.
He alleged Odisha could lose thousands of crores of rupees annually and criticized the state’s 20 BJP MPs for remaining silent.
Patnaik said he had written twice to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking a special Assembly session and an opposing resolution, but received no reply.
The Union government said the amendment supports critical-mineral development, investment and mineral security without weakening states’ rights or tax powers.
- Who
- BJD president and Odisha Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, supported by BJD leaders, workers and other political parties.
- What
- A BJD protest demanding repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
- When
- Monday, September 28; the Lok Sabha passed the amendment bill on August 12, 2026.
- Where
- At Lower PMG and outside the Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Why
- Patnaik and the BJD said the amendment curtails Odisha’s control over minerals and could reduce state revenue; the Union government said it is intended to support critical-mineral development and mining investment.
BJD and Opposition Parties
Union and BJP-led Governments
State control over minerals
BJD and Opposition Parties
Patnaik and BJD leaders said Odisha’s people are the rightful owners of its land and minerals and alleged that the amendment takes away the state’s powers.
Union and BJP-led Governments
The Union Ministry of Mines said the amendment does not dilute states’ rights over land and minerals or their power to levy mineral taxes.
Financial consequences
BJD and Opposition Parties
Patnaik and opposition parties said Odisha could lose thousands of crores annually; some cited Rs 12,000 crore in additional annual revenue and Rs 1 lakh crore in arrears.
Union and BJP-led Governments
The government said the existing arrangement, under which nearly 90% of mining taxes and statutory payments accrue to states, will continue. The Odisha government was reported as still assessing the law’s impact.
Purpose of the amendment
BJD and Opposition Parties
The BJD called for repeal, arguing that the law harms Odisha’s interests and could deprive the state of mineral revenue.
Union and BJP-led Governments
The Union government said the amendment is meant to facilitate exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals, attract investment, provide certainty to mining lease holders and strengthen domestic mineral security.
- Legislation
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
- Protest organizer
- The opposition Biju Janata Dal organized the rally at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar.
- Patnaik’s pledge
- He said he would fight the Act until his last breath to protect Odisha’s interests.
- Reported financial impact
- Patnaik said Odisha could lose thousands of crores of rupees annually; opposition parties cited Rs 12,000 crore in additional annual revenue and Rs 1 lakh crore in arrears.
- Government position
- The Union Ministry of Mines said the amendment does not dilute states’ rights or mineral-tax powers and that nearly 90% of mining taxes and statutory payments currently accrue to states.
- Parliamentary passage
- The Lok Sabha passed the MMDR Amendment Bill on August 12, 2026.
- Assembly request
- Patnaik said he wrote twice to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking a special Assembly session and a resolution against the amendment.
Sources
Will fight against MMDR Act till last breath to safeguard Gen Z’s future: Naveen Patnaik
Naveen Patnaik vows to fight MMDR Amendment Act till last breath
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