MMDR Amendment Act takes away our constitutional rights: BJD
BJD leader Sujata Rout Karthikeyan accuses BJP MPs of injustice for supporting the MMDR Amendment Act, claiming it strips Odisha of mineral rights.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of stripping Odisha of its constitutional authority to tax its own mineral wealth. BJD leader Sujata Rout Karthikeyan stated on Monday that the implementation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 will result in a massive loss of revenue for the state, amounting to thousands of crores of rupees.
The controversy centers on the state's ability to generate funds from its mineral resources for public welfare. Karthikeyan highlighted that the BJD had spent two decades fighting a legal battle to protect these rights, a struggle that culminated in a favorable decision from a nine-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court. However, she claims the new amendment has effectively nullified those gains.
"Injustice to Odisha" by BJP MPs
In a stinging rebuke, the BJD leader did not just target the central government but also directed her anger toward the BJP Members of Parliament elected from Odisha. She accused them of committing a grave injustice by voting in favor of the bill in Parliament.
"It is a matter of great shame and very unfortunate that the BJP leaders who had been elected by the people of Odisha, went to Parliament and supported this law. They supported the stripping away of our Constitutional rights,"Karthikeyan remarked during a media interaction.
She further pointed out the irony in the BJP's political stance, noting that during the 2024 elections, these leaders campaigned on the platform of "Odia pride," yet they ultimately supported legislation that diminishes the state's financial autonomy.
Naveen Patnaik leads protest march
The political tension escalated in Bhubaneswar as the BJD staged a massive protest march against the Amendment Act. The protest was led by BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, who joined party workers to demand the immediate withdrawal of the legislation.
Addressing the gathering, Patnaik emphasized that the fight is not merely political but is a battle for the survival and future of the state's residents. He asserted that the people of Odisha are the true owners of the state's land and mineral deposits.
- The Core Issue: The MMDR Amendment Act is viewed by the BJD as a direct assault on the state's rights over its natural resources.
- Economic Impact: The BJD estimates the loss of revenue to be in the thousands of crores, which would have otherwise funded state development.
- The BJD's Stance: The party has vowed to continue its struggle under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik until the amendment is repealed.
Patnaik also criticized the legislative process, alleging that the bill was passed in Parliament without adequate discussion. He questioned why the BJP MPs representing Odisha remained silent while the state's interests were being compromised, describing the situation as "deeply regrettable."