Opposition party steps up campaign over the 2026 mining law, citing concerns over State revenue and rights
GTNS
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 , RAYAGADA: The political dispute over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 has reached Rayagada, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organizing a protest against the legislation and raising concerns over what it describes as the protection of Odisha’s interests in the mining sector.
During the demonstration, BJD workers and leaders criticised the BJP-led government, alleging that the State’s interests and rights over its mineral resources were being compromised in favour of greater central control. These are the BJD’s political allegations and have not been independently established.
The agitation in Rayagada forms part of a wider opposition campaign against the amended mining law. The issue has also triggered repeated protests by BJD and Congress legislators inside the Odisha Assembly, where the Opposition has demanded withdrawal of the amendments.
Why the MMDR Amendment Has Become a Political Flashpoint
The dispute centres on provisions of the amended MMDR framework that have raised questions about the financial and regulatory powers of mineral-rich States.
BJD leaders have argued that changes affecting taxation and levies on mineral-bearing land could have consequences for Odisha’s fiscal resources. The party has also linked the legislation to the broader question of the State’s role in managing its mineral wealth.
The Odisha Government, however, has said that it has not yet made a quantified assessment of the potential revenue impact of the amended law. Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena stated in the Assembly that the financial implications of Section 9D had not yet been examined by the State Government.
Rayagada Becomes Another Centre of the Opposition Campaign
Rayagada has emerged as one of the locations where opposition parties have taken their campaign against the amendment to the public. An INDIA bloc rally was also held in the district headquarters on September 21, with participating parties calling for repeal of the amended legislation.
The wider campaign has focused on issues including mineral revenue, federal relations, community interests and the management of natural resources.
For the BJD, the Rayagada protest is part of its continuing political mobilisation against the amendment. The party has previously organised demonstrations in Bhubaneswar and submitted a memorandum seeking intervention against the legislation.
Debate Extends to the Odisha Assembly
The MMDR amendment has also become a major point of confrontation during the ongoing Assembly session. BJD and Congress members have repeatedly protested inside the House, with proceedings disrupted over their demand for withdrawal of the legislation.
The controversy has therefore moved beyond a legal and policy debate and become a major political issue in Odisha, particularly around the State’s mineral economy and its relationship with the Centre.
As the Opposition continues its campaign, the key unresolved questions concern the financial implications of the amended provisions, the respective roles of the Centre and mineral-rich States, and how the new framework will affect Odisha’s mineral administration and revenues.
The Rayagada protest has added another chapter to that continuing debate.
GTNS
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026