BJD Holds Mass Protest in Bhubaneswar Over MMDR Amendment Act

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organised a large-scale demonstration in Bhubaneswar on Monday, September 28, opposing the Centre’s Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2026.
The protest was held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg near Lower PMG, with senior BJD leaders, legislators, former ministers and thousands of party workers taking part. A tribal procession featuring traditional music, dance and attire was also organised near the Odisha Assembly as party workers gathered to welcome BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik.Addressing the gathering, Patnaik alleged that the amended mining legislation would reduce Odisha’s control over its mineral resources and adversely affect the state’s revenue interests. He claimed that Odisha stood to lose more than Rs 1 lakh crore in dues, along with an estimated annual financial impact of around Rs 12,000 crore.

Patnaik also referred to the Supreme Court’s July 25, 2024 judgment concerning states’ rights to impose taxes on mineral-bearing lands and recover related arrears. He alleged that the subsequent amendment to the MMDR Act had curtailed the financial rights of mineral-rich states.
During the agitation, BJD leaders accused the BJP-led government of failing to protect Odisha’s interests. Party workers also distributed leaflets explaining the party’s objections to the amended legislation.
The protest march passed through key areas, including the State Assembly and AG Square. Several senior BJD leaders and former ministers participated in the programme.
The party said it would submit a memorandum to the President of India through the Governor of Odisha. BJD leaders further announced that the agitation would be extended to districts across Odisha if the Centre does not reconsider the amended mining law.