Naveen Patnaik urges BJP MPs to oppose MMDR Amendment Bill

Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and president of the Biju Janata Dal, has urged BJP Members of Parliament from Odisha to seek a reversal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Patnaik described the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha as a “black day for Odisha,” alleging it was passed with less than 10 minutes of discussion. He warned that the legislation could result in an estimated annual loss of more than Rs 12,000 crore to the state, with long-term losses potentially reaching lakhs of crores.

Beyond the financial impact, Patnaik argued the amendment dilutes the state government’s control over minerals and mineral-bearing lands. He noted that Odisha accounts for nearly 44 per cent of India’s mineral wealth, which is vital to the nation's steel, power, and infrastructure sectors. He further expressed concerns regarding environmental degradation, displacement, and the impact on the livelihoods of Odisha’s youth.