Bhubaneswar, GTNS.: The political battle over Odisha’s mineral resources is intensifying, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stepping up its campaign against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.The BJD has announced a mass dharna outside Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on September 9, demanding withdrawal of the amended legislation. The party has said it will submit a memorandum addressed to the President through the Odisha Governor.The controversy centres on the distribution of powers and revenues associated with mineral-bearing land. Odisha, one of India’s major mineral-producing states, has a large economic stake in iron ore and other mineral resources. The BJD argues that the new legal framework could weaken the financial and administrative powers of mineral-rich states.BJD leaders have particularly raised concerns over the potential impact on Odisha’s ability to generate revenue from its mineral resources. Rajya Sabha MP SantRupt Misra has alleged that the amended law takes away important rights of state governments over mines and mineral-bearing land.The party has also linked the issue with the Supreme Court’s July 2026 ruling concerning the taxation powers of states over mines and mineral-bearing land. According to the BJD, Odisha could have significant financial claims arising from mineral-related dues, and the amended law could affect the state’s ability to benefit from those rights.BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has repeatedly criticised the legislation and urged BJP MPs from Odisha to seek its rollback. He has argued that the amendments could undermine the state’s authority over its mineral resources and affect Odisha’s fiscal interests.The ruling BJP, however, has rejected the Opposition’s allegations. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has said the amendments will not harm Odisha and has pointed to the substantial increase in the state’s mineral revenue over the years. The BJP has also accused the BJD of misleading the public on the issue.With the BJD preparing for its September 9 protest, the MMDR amendment has emerged as a major political flashpoint in Odisha. The dispute is no longer limited to mining policy; it has developed into a wider debate over federalism, state revenue, mineral ownership and Odisha’s economic interests.The coming days are likely to see sharper exchanges between the BJP government and the BJD as both sides attempt to convince the people of Odisha about the financial and constitutional implications of the new mining framework.
