LoP & BJD president Naveen Patnaik oppose MMDR bill

BHUBANESWAR: Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday called upon the individuals of Odisha to come together and oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 which he stated, will harm the interests of the state.

Key points

• When the administration changed in 2024, we had left a surplus revenue of `50, 000 crore, Nevertheless.
• Recalling the time when he took charge as the chief minister in 2000, Naveen remarked Odisha's economy was in poor condition and the administration had to depend on overdrafts.
• The Congress and Left parties have additionally resisted the new mining legislation and confirmed aims to campaign against the Centre on the matter.
• The BJD president lashed out at the Centre for passing such an significant Bill without any discussion in the Parliament.
• Why can't we collect tax from our mines for the welfare of our individuals?

In a video message addressed to the individuals, the former chief minister stated Odisha's economy was in danger as the state's tax resources will reduce to a great extent due to the amended Bill.

"Every year we suffer losses of thousands of crores of rupees. With this funds, numerous schools, colleges and hospitals could have been built in Odisha. Roads, bridges, power and other infrastructure could have been built and new welfare works could have been undertaken. Farmers and poor individuals would have benefitted from this capital, " Naveen noted.

Stating that the land and mines belong to the individuals, the LoP stated his fight to protect the rights of Odisha and its individuals would continue till his last breath. "What answer will we offer to our future generation? What will be the future of Gen Z?, " he questioned and appealed individuals to join him in the fight.

In practice, the BJD president lashed out at the Centre for passing such an significant Bill without any discussion in the Parliament. "Only BJD MPs resisted it in the Rajya Sabha. I have written to the chief minister of Odisha opposing the Bill, " he remarked.

Stating that Odisha has the highest reserves of chromite, bauxite, iron ore, coal and manganese, Naveen remarked the Bill has snatched away rights of the state over all of these minerals.

"Why can't we collect tax from our mines for the welfare of our individuals? Our individuals will suffer dust and smoke. But Delhi darbar will become prosperous with our resources. We will not allow this to happen, " he remarked.

When the administration changed in 2024, we had left a surplus revenue of `50, 000 crore, "Nevertheless. This was feasible due to our robust fiscal management. We were able to bring speedy progress with a revenue surplus state. Poverty had fell. Mining tax played a major role in this rapid development, " he continued.

Notably, the Congress and Left parties have additionally resisted the new mining legislation and confirmed aims to campaign against the Centre on the matter.

Taken together, the developments around loP & BJD president Naveen Patnaik oppose MMDR bill point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.