NAVEEN PATNAIK CALLS FOR UNITED STATEWIDE AGITATION AGAINST MMDR AMENDMENT ACT

September 28, 2026

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has called for a united movement across Odisha against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, asserting that the legislation threatens the state’s rights over its mineral resources.

Addressing a large BJD protest rally in Bhubaneswar on September 28, Patnaik urged people across political affiliations, including the younger generation, to join the agitation and oppose the implementation of the amended law in Odisha. He alleged that the legislation could deprive the state of substantial revenue and undermine its authority over mineral-bearing land.

Patnaik criticised the passage of the amendment in Parliament, alleging that it was approved without adequate discussion and questioning the position taken by BJP members of Parliament from Odisha. He also questioned the state government’s response to the legislation, claiming that his requests to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special Assembly session and adopt a resolution opposing the amendment had received no response.

The BJD leader maintained that the amendment could have significant financial implications for Odisha and called for its withdrawal. He appealed to political parties to prioritise the state’s interests over party affiliations, describing the issue as a matter of Odisha’s economic rights and future development.

The protest, attended by thousands of BJD supporters and senior party leaders, also saw demonstrators attempt to march towards the Odisha Legislative Assembly, leading to clashes with police and preventive detentions. Meanwhile, proceedings in the state Assembly were disrupted as BJD and Congress legislators protested against the legislation and demanded its withdrawal.