BJD Threatens Economic Blockade Over MMDR Amendment Act, BJP Rejects Allegations

Bhubaneswar: Political tensions over the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 have intensified in Odisha, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) threatening to launch an economic blockade if the Centre does not withdraw the legislation.

Addressing reporters on Monday, BJD MLA and former minister Arun Kumar Sahoo alleged that the amended law undermines Odisha’s authority over mineral-bearing land and could result in a significant loss of revenue for the state.

Sahoo claimed that the legislation has effectively reduced the state’s powers concerning mines and mineral-rich land parcels, describing it as a setback to the federal structure. He also questioned the state government’s response to the issue and criticised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for allegedly failing to respond to a letter sent by BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik last month.

Patnaik had reportedly sought a special session of the Odisha Assembly along with an all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the amendment, which he had termed detrimental to the state’s interests.

According to Sahoo, Odisha is entitled to more than Rs 1 lakh crore in pending mining-related taxes based on a Supreme Court judgment. He further claimed that the state could face an annual revenue shortfall of around Rs 12,000 crore if the amended legislation comes into effect.

The BJD leader accused the state government of remaining silent on the issue despite the alleged financial consequences. He also alleged that the Centre’s policies were favouring large corporate interests at the expense of Odisha’s financial and constitutional rights.

Sahoo warned that the BJD would resort to an economic blockade if the amendment is not withdrawn and Odisha’s authority over mineral-bearing land is restored.

The ruling BJP, however, dismissed the opposition party’s allegations and accused the BJD of attempting to create a political controversy.

Senior BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik said an economic blockade would ultimately damage Odisha’s own economic interests. Defending the amended provisions, he argued that while the changes could lead to certain short-term adjustments, they would provide greater benefits to mineral-rich states like Odisha in the long run.

Patnaik said the amendments could bring greater stability to the taxation framework and encourage industrialists and investors to participate in transparent mineral auctions. Such measures, he argued, would increase investment and contribute to strengthening Odisha’s economy over time.

With both parties taking sharply different positions on the legislation, the issue is likely to remain a major political flashpoint in Odisha in the coming days.