Former Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced that his party would continue its agitation against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, until the legislation is withdrawn.
Addressing a large BJD demonstration at Lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik said the amended law affects Odisha's rights over its mineral resources. He alleged that the state could lose thousands of crores of rupees in revenue every year because of the changes.
The MMDR Amendment Act was passed by Parliament on August 13. According to the report, the legislation places restrictions on states' powers to tax mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands and gives the Centre greater control over the regulation of mines and development of minerals.
Patnaik argued that the issue was directly connected to the state's constitutional rights over land and natural resources. He referred to provisions under the State List, including Entry 18 relating to land and Entry 49 concerning taxes on land.
The former chief minister also criticised the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Odisha, alleging that they had not adequately raised the state's concerns over the legislation.
Patnaik said he had written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi requesting a special discussion in the state Assembly and a resolution opposing the amendment. According to him, he had not received a response to his request.
The BJD chief also questioned the position of BJP MPs from Odisha on the issue. He asked why the state's 20 BJP MPs had remained silent during the debate over the legislation.
Speaking at the protest, Patnaik said the campaign was about protecting Odisha's mineral resources and the interests of future generations. He specifically referred to young people, describing the agitation as a fight for the future of the state's Gen Z population.
The former chief minister said the BJD would not allow the amended law to be implemented in Odisha and would continue its campaign to restore what it considers the state's rights over its mineral resources.
The party had earlier announced that Monday's demonstration would mark the beginning of a broader statewide agitation against the MMDR Amendment Act.
The dispute centres on the balance of powers between the Centre and states over mineral-bearing land, taxation and regulation. While the amended legislation provides the Centre with expanded powers in the regulation and development of minerals, Patnaik and the BJD argue that the changes could affect Odisha's financial interests and control over its natural resources.
The BJD is now expected to expand its campaign across the state, with Patnaik urging political parties and sections of society to participate in the agitation.
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