The political landscape in Odisha boiled over as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a blistering attack against the Centre and the state government over the controversial Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
Intensifying the party’s onslaught, Patnaik vowed to fight for the state’s natural resources “till his last breath”.
The fiery remarks came during a massive BJD protest march at Gandhi Marg (Lower PMG) in Bhubaneswar, which coincided with a fresh uproar in the Odisha Assembly during Zero Hour that forced the House to adjourn till 4 PM.
Standing Up for 4.5 Crore Odias and Gen Z
Addressing a charged gathering of party leaders, workers, and supporters, Patnaik framed the ongoing agitation as an existential battle for the state’s future generations.
“We have gathered here today for the interest of Odisha. We have gathered for the rights of 4.5 crore Odias. We are fighting this battle for the future of our Gen Z,” Patnaik declared. Emphasizing the core principle of resource ownership, he added, “The people of Odisha are the owners of Odisha’s mines and Odisha’s land.”
The BJD chief slammed the legislative path of the amendment, pointing out that such a critical bill was rushed through Parliament without any meaningful discussion. He directed sharp criticism at the state’s ruling parliamentarians, questioning the silence of Odisha’s 20 BJP MPs and the state government.
A Deafening Silence from the Government
Patnaik revealed that he had repeatedly reached out to the Chief Minister—first requesting a special session of the Assembly and subsequently urging the introduction of a formal resolution opposing the MMDR Amendment Act—only to be met with complete silence.
Warning that the state stands to incur losses amounting to thousands of crores of rupees annually under the new law, Patnaik cautioned leaders against compromising local interests.
“No party can ever be bigger than this soil. The chair is there today; it will not be there tomorrow. But if you betray this soil, you will be condemned forever. Gen Z will not forgive you. The people of Odisha will not forgive you,” he cautioned.
A Statewide Call to Action
Concluding his address, the former Chief Minister extended an open invitation to all political factions and citizens to join hands to protect the state’s economic sovereignty.
“I will fight for Odisha’s rights till my last breath. My request to all, my request to all parties, join this fight. Come, let us unite for this soil. Let us resolve. We will not allow the MMDR Amendment Act to be implemented in Odisha. We will fight. We will bring back our rights,” Patnaik urged.
With the BJD expanding its opposition to district levels and other political entities joining the resistance, the controversy surrounding the MMDR Amendment Act has set the stage for an intense political showdown in the state.
