Odisha Assembly monsoon session begins amid mining law and textbook protests

The monsoon session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly commenced on September 22, marked by intense political friction and disruptions. Opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress staged protests in the House, leading to temporary adjournments.

A primary point of contention is the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special session to pass a resolution seeking the repeal of the act, arguing it undermines the state’s constitutional right to levy taxes on mineral resources and threatens significant annual revenue.

Additionally, the BJD has targeted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over widespread printing errors in new school textbooks. While the opposition has called for the resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister, BJP representatives stated that 50,000 corrected textbooks have already been distributed to students.

Other issues raised by the opposition include the state's law-and-order situation, farmer distress regarding fertilizer and seed availability, and fiscal management.