Political temperatures in Odisha are rising sharply over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, with Congress legislators launching a strong offensive against what they term a “Dark Act” that could strip the state of control over its vast mineral wealth.
On Saturday, a high-powered delegation of Congress MLAs, led by Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam, met Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy. The team — including senior legislators Taraprasad Bahinipati, CS Rajan Ekka, Prafulla Pradhan, Mangu Khil, Pabitra Saunta and Dasarathi Gamang — submitted a detailed memorandum seeking an immediate two-day special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly under Article 174(1) of the Constitution.
The Congress has accused the amended legislation of systematically transferring power over mining leases, revenue collection and renewals from the state to the Centre. Party leaders claim Odisha stands to lose a staggering ₹1 lakh crore in total, with annual revenue losses estimated at ₹20,000 crore. They argue that the changes undermine the state’s sovereign rights over its mineral resources, many of which lie in Fifth Schedule areas inhabited by tribal communities.
In the memorandum, Congress described the law as a “Dark Act” that bypasses mandatory consent of Gram Sabhas and Tribal Advisory Councils, weakens the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 and the Forest Rights Act 2006, and reduces state autonomy in the utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds meant for affected communities.
“The so-called double-engine government has finally shown its true face,” Congress Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam said. “Odisha, rich in mineral wealth, has long fought for its forests, land and water. Congress will continue that fight.”
Speaker Surama Padhy responded that the Congress delegation’s request had been received and that appropriate steps would be taken strictly in accordance with the rules of procedure.
The demand echoes an earlier letter by Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking a special discussion on the same issue. With both major opposition parties now pressing for a dedicated legislative debate, the MMDR controversy is set to dominate Odisha’s political discourse in the coming days.
The central amendment has ignited fierce debate across mineral-rich states, but nowhere is the stakes higher than in Odisha — home to some of India’s most valuable iron ore, bauxite and coal reserves.
