BJD Vs BJP: Odisha MPs Accused Of Compromising State Over Mining Law

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers from Odisha of compromising the State’s financial interests by supporting amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. The regional party alleged that the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, could deprive Odisha of nearly ₹1 lakh crore in mining-related arrears. The allegation was made by BJD Rajya Sabha MP Santrupt Misra during a press conference in Bhubaneswar.

Misra claimed that BJP MPs from Odisha supported the legislation despite being aware of the potential financial implications for the State. According to the BJD leader, the issue is particularly significant because the Odisha government had previously approached the Supreme Court over the money it said was due to the State. The party argued that lawmakers representing Odisha should have considered the State’s claim and potential financial losses before supporting the amendments.

The BJD MP referred to an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court by Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya. According to Misra, the affidavit stated that the nearly ₹1 lakh crore in arrears represented a legitimate entitlement of Odisha. He further alleged that the State would suffer substantial financial losses if the amount was not received. The BJD has used this position to question why Odisha’s BJP representatives supported amendments that it claims could affect the State’s ability to recover the money.

Also Read: Xi Jinping in Egypt: China Deepens Ties With Key US Ally in West Asia

The controversy centres on changes to the legal framework governing mining and mineral resources. Mining is an important source of revenue for Odisha, which has substantial reserves of iron ore, coal, bauxite and other minerals. The State government has historically relied heavily on mining-related revenues to support public expenditure and development programmes. Any change affecting the recovery or distribution of mining dues can therefore have significant consequences for Odisha’s finances.

The BJD’s criticism also reflects the wider political dispute between the ruling BJP in Odisha and the opposition party over the management of the State’s natural resources and revenue interests. The BJD alleged that the State’s BJP lawmakers should have raised concerns within Parliament if they believed the amendments could adversely affect Odisha. Misra’s remarks sought to portray the issue as one involving the financial rights of the State rather than simply a disagreement over mining policy.

The allegations by the BJD are political claims and do not by themselves establish that Odisha will actually lose ₹1 lakh crore under the amended legislation. The precise financial impact would depend on the interpretation and implementation of the law, as well as the outcome of related legal proceedings. The dispute is likely to remain significant as Odisha continues to pursue its position on the outstanding mining-related amount before the Supreme Court and political parties debate the implications of the 2026 amendments.

Also Read: Kiren Rijiju Meets Vucic: India, Serbia Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties