2 days ago
BJD Challenges Samal’s Support for MMDR Act-2026
The Biju Janata Dal is questioning a law called the MMDR Act-2026.
The party says BJP leader Manmohan Samal supports the law.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty says Odisha could lose a very large amount of money if the law is implemented.
He claims the possible loss includes more than Rs 1 lakh crore in unpaid dues.
He also says the state could lose about Rs 12,000 crore every year.
The BJD wants Samal to explain why he believes the law will help Odisha.
The party says it is ready to show the calculations behind its claims.
Mohanty also pointed to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s concerns about GST as an earlier example of defending the state’s finances.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty challenged BJP state president Manmohan Samal to explain his support for the MMDR Act-2026.
Mohanty alleged the legislation could cost Odisha more than Rs 1 lakh crore in pending dues.
He also claimed Odisha could lose around Rs 12,000 crore annually after the law’s implementation.
The BJD asked Samal to publicly counter its calculations and explain how the state would benefit.
Mohanty cited Naveen Patnaik’s past opposition to GST as an example of the BJD prioritising Odisha’s financial interests.
- Who
- The Biju Janata Dal, spokesperson Lenin Mohanty, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
- What
- The BJD challenged Samal’s support for the MMDR Act-2026 and alleged that the law would cause major financial losses to Odisha.
- Where
- Odisha, India.
- When
- The challenge was issued on Sunday, following Samal’s recent remarks.
- Why
- The BJD says the legislation could reduce Odisha’s revenue and wants Samal to explain how it would protect the state’s interests.
BJD’s concerns
Samal’s stated support
Financial impact on Odisha
BJD’s concerns
The BJD alleges that the MMDR Act-2026 could cost Odisha more than Rs 1 lakh crore in pending dues and around Rs 12,000 crore annually.
Samal’s stated support
Manmohan Samal has reportedly supported the MMDR Act-2026, but the article does not provide his detailed financial justification or response to the BJD’s figures.
Protection of state interests
BJD’s concerns
The BJD says Samal must explain how the legislation would protect Odisha’s interests and benefit the state.
Samal’s stated support
Samal’s support indicates that he views the legislation favorably, although the article does not specify his reasons.
Political record on national reforms
BJD’s concerns
The BJD says Naveen Patnaik consistently prioritised Odisha and cites his warning that GST could cause financial losses compared with the earlier VAT system.
Samal’s stated support
The article does not include a BJP response to the BJD’s comparison with GST.
Key facts
- Opposition party
- Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
- BJP state president
- Manmohan Samal
- BJD spokesperson
- Lenin Mohanty
- Legislation discussed
- MMDR Act-2026
- Alleged pending-dues loss
- More than Rs 1 lakh crore
- Alleged annual loss
- Around Rs 12,000 crore
- Earlier policy example
- Naveen Patnaik’s opposition to the financial impact of GST on Odisha
Quotes
Lenin Mohanty
BJD spokesperson and media coordinator
“Let Samal place the facts before the people and explain how Odisha stands to gain from the MMDR Act-2026.”
thestatesman.com
“Samal must tell the people of Odisha how the state will benefit from this law.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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