Opposition Parties Stage Massive Protest in Bhubaneswar Against MMDR Amendment Act

Bhubaneswar: Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc staged a major protest in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, demanding the withdrawal of the recently enacted Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2026, alleging that the legislation could cause significant revenue losses to Odisha.

The protestors took out a large rally from Congress Bhawan and marched towards Lower PMG, where leaders and workers of various opposition parties gathered for a demonstration.

Addressing the gathering, opposition leaders alleged that the Centre had adopted policies detrimental to Odisha despite the state being one of the country’s major mineral-rich regions. They also criticised the Union Government over its education policies and accused it of failing to adequately protect the interests of the state.

The leaders claimed that the amended MMDR law could result in Odisha losing mineral-related revenue running into lakhs of crores of rupees. They further criticised the Odisha government for allegedly failing to strongly oppose the legislation.

Calling the amendment anti-people and detrimental to Odisha’s economic interests, the protesters demanded its immediate withdrawal. They warned that the opposition would intensify its agitation if the Centre did not reconsider the legislation.

As part of the demonstration, protesters also burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Meanwhile, the Congress party separately voiced strong opposition to the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, at a press conference held in Bhubaneswar.

Senior Congress leader Prasad Kumar Harichandan said the legislation undermines the principles of cooperative federalism and affects the financial rights of mineral-rich states.

“The MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 is a direct attack on cooperative federalism and the financial rights of mineral-rich states,” Harichandan said, reiterating the party’s opposition to the law.

He said that since the legislation has already received the President’s assent, the Congress would now demand its repeal and restoration of the constitutional and financial rights of states.

The opposition parties said they would continue their campaign and take further steps to protect Odisha’s interests and safeguard the state’s share of revenue generated from its mineral resources.