‘Gen Z won’t forgive’: As he takes to streets, Naveen Patnaik’s message to BJP govt

'Gen Z won't forgive': As he takes to streets, Naveen Patnaik's message to BJP govt The rally against the new mines law saw thousands in attendance.

During the rally on Mahatma Gandhi road, for which workers and leaders from throughout Odisha were mobilised, Patnaik stated individuals of the state were the rightful owners of its mines and its land. (Express Photo).

Outside the Odisha Assembly, a sea of individuals, running into thousands and mostly dressed in white, kicked off gathering from throughout the state since the morning on Monday. Around 12pm, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, escorted by his security detail, went up to the dais. The crowd erupted in applause, and slogans of "Naveen Patnaik Zindabad" rent the air.

After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) concluded its 24-year rule to capture power in the state in 2024, this is the first time that the party has held a protest of such a massive scale in the last two years.

For context, the occasion was a protest called by the state's opposition party to oppose the lately passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.

In short, 'Gen Z won't forgive': As he takes to streets, Naveen Patnaik's message is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.