Odisha Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has strongly opposed the recent amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, urging people across the state to unite to protect Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources. In a video message on Wednesday, Patnaik argued that the amendment could adversely affect the state’s finances and development priorities.

Patnaik highlighted the role of mining-related revenue in Odisha’s economic growth during the 24-year BJD government. He recalled that when the BJD came to power in 2000, the state’s financial position was weak and the government had to depend on overdrafts. He claimed that by 2024, the BJD government had left behind a revenue surplus of around Rs 50,000 crore, which he attributed to fiscal management and said had supported development, poverty reduction, infrastructure and welfare programmes.

The BJD president alleged that the amended MMDR law would significantly reduce Odisha’s financial resources by affecting the state’s ability to benefit from its mineral wealth. He pointed to Odisha’s substantial reserves of chromite, bauxite, iron ore, coal and manganese and questioned why the state should not be able to collect revenue from mining activities within its territory for the benefit of its people.

Also Read: Assam: Rajdhani Express Halted To Allow Elephant Herd To Cross Railway Track

Patnaik also criticised the manner in which the amendment was passed in Parliament, alleging that it was cleared without adequate discussion and that only BJD MPs opposed it in the Rajya Sabha. He referred to a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in which he sought an all-party meeting and a special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly to discuss the implications of the amendment.

The BJD chief further criticised the 20 BJP MPs from Odisha, alleging that they had failed to adequately raise the state’s concerns over the legislation. He warned that any substantial reduction in mining-related revenue could affect funding available for schools, hospitals, infrastructure, farmers and welfare programmes. Patnaik argued that Odisha could face a loss of thousands of crores of rupees annually if the state’s financial interests were weakened.

Patnaik appealed to people across Odisha to join the effort to protect the state’s interests and pledged to continue raising the issue. Congress and other Opposition parties in Odisha have also opposed the amendment and threatened to intensify protests seeking its withdrawal, setting the stage for further political mobilisation over control and revenue from the state’s mineral resources.

Also Read: Vietnam Airlines Flight Leaves Munich Runway With Just 91 Metres Remaining