"Odisha people are rightful owners of state's mines": Naveen Patnaik leads BJD protest
Naveen Patnaik leads BJD protest against the MMDR Amendment Act, claiming it curtails Odisha's rights over its mineral resources.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched a massive protest march in Bhubaneswar on Monday to oppose the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. Led by BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, the party is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation, alleging that it strips the state of its authority over vital mineral resources.
A Battle for Odisha's Rights
Addressing a large gathering of party workers and leaders, Naveen Patnaik asserted that the new amendment is not merely a legislative change but a direct assault on the rights of the state. He emphasized that the people of Odisha are the true owners of the state's land and mineral wealth.
"The MMDR Amendment Bill is not an ordinary bill. It is directly tied to the rights of the state. The people of Odisha are the rightful owners of Odisha's mines and Odisha's land," Patnaik declared. He noted that the party is fighting this battle to secure the future for the next generation.
Criticism of Political Silence
Patnaik expressed strong dissatisfaction with how the bill was handled in Parliament, claiming it was passed without adequate discussion. He specifically targeted the silence of the BJP, questioning why the 20 BJP MPs from Odisha did not raise their voices during the proceedings.
Furthermore, the Leader of Opposition criticized the current Odisha government's response. He revealed that he has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on multiple occasions, requesting a special session of the Assembly and a formal resolution opposing the Act, but has received no response.
"This is a government of denials—a government that only talks big. Because of this Act, Odisha will incur losses of thousands of crores of rupees every year. Why is the government silent when it comes to Odisha’s interests?" Patnaik questioned.
Economic Implications and Calls for Unity
BJD leaders highlighted the massive economic stakes involved in this legislative shift. BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra pointed out that Odisha holds 44% of the country's mineral resources. He warned that the MMDR Amendment Act has effectively stripped the state of its power in mining areas, leading to immense financial losses.
Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, a BJD leader, reminded the public that Odisha has a constitutional right to tax its mineral wealth to fund state development. She noted that the BJD had spent 20 years fighting legal battles to protect these constitutional rights, a struggle that saw significant milestones in 2024.
"I appeal to all political parties—join this fight. Come, let us unite for this soil. We will not allow the MMDR Amendment Act to be implemented in Odisha," Patnaik concluded, calling for a united front to reclaim the state's rights.