The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a sweeping state-level protest and demonstration at Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Lower PMG) in Bhubaneswar today, vehemently opposing the central government’s controversial MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
The demonstration saw an overwhelming turnout, highlighted by a vibrant tribal procession near the State Assembly. Traditional dancers, accompanied by folk instruments and authentic attire, welcomed BJD Supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik. Senior party leaders, legislators, former ministers, and thousands of grassroots party workers converged to denounce the legislation, labelling it a “Black Law” that directly undermines Odisha’s financial autonomy and regional rights.
Threat to Odisha’s Federal Structure and Finances
Addressing the massive gathering, BJD President Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the Centre, asserting that the new mining law significantly expands central control over Odisha’s rich mineral and mining revenues.
“This amendment compromises our federal structure, denies Odisha its rightful dues of over Rs 1 lakh crore, and inflicts an ongoing annual economic loss of Rs 12,000 crore. We firmly demand the immediate withdrawal of this anti-state legislation,” Patnaik declared.
Highlighting the legal background, Patnaik recalled the landmark Supreme Court ruling of July 25, 2024, which affirmed that states possess the constitutional authority to levy taxes on mineral-bearing lands and recover arrears dating back to 2005. The subsequent MMDR amendment, however, effectively nullified these rightful dues and stripped the state of its future taxation powers, leaving Odisha heavily shortchanged.
BJD Leaders Slam the Ruling Establishment
BJD leader Sujata Raut sharply criticised the ruling BJP government, accusing them of misleading the people of Odisha and gifting away hard-earned mineral revenues to private mining operators at the expense of local citizens.
The protest march commenced from the party office through the State Assembly and AG Square, with leaders distributing explanatory leaflets to create public awareness. Prominent leaders who participated in the mass agitation include Debi Prasad Mishra, Niranjan Pujari, Dr. Arun Sahoo, Sulata Deo, Pramila Mallik, Jhina Hikaka, Susant Rout, Ananta Narayan Jena, Sulochana Das, Snehangini Chhuria, Ipsita Sahoo, Chinmay Sahu, Pradeep Majhi, Jagannath Saraka, Ashok Panda, and Manmath Routray, among others.
Warning of Statewide Escalation
Concluding the protest, BJD leadership announced plans to submit a formal memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Governor of Odisha. The party issued a stern warning that if the central government fails to withdraw the contentious MMDR Amendment Act, the agitation will be systematically expanded to every district across the state in the coming days.
