Odisha political tension rises over mining revenue and legislation

Political tensions are rising in Odisha over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of supporting legislation that could cost the state nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in mining-related arrears. BJD MP Santrupt Misra claimed the state's advocate general had previously acknowledged this entitlement in a Supreme Court affidavit.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has defended the amendments, asserting they will provide greater stability and predictability for the state’s mineral revenue. He noted that mineral revenue in Odisha has grown significantly from approximately Rs 5,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 50,000 crore, and argued that existing arrangements for royalties and the District Mineral Foundation fund will remain intact.

Separately, the Odisha BJP is scheduled to hold an extended executive committee meeting in Cuttack on September 5 and 6. Chaired by state president Manmohan Samal, the meeting will focus on the current political landscape, welfare schemes, and future party strategies.