Odisha Assembly disrupted by protests over mining law and textbook errors

The Odisha Assembly has faced three consecutive days of disruption as opposition parties Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress protest against two primary issues: the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act and significant errors found in state school textbooks.

Regarding the MMDR Amendment Act, opposition members argue the legislation undermines state rights over mineral resources. BJD leaders claim the law could cause massive revenue losses for Odisha, which holds 44 percent of India's mineral resources. The BJD has threatened a statewide economic blockade and announced plans for a mass demonstration led by Naveen Patnaik on September 28.

Simultaneously, BJD legislators are demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond following an inquiry that identified 1,731 errors in textbooks for Classes I to VIII. Reported errors include misidentifying historical figures and incorrectly labeling geographic locations. Protests over the textbooks have included marches by youth and student wings and disruptions within the Assembly premises.