BJD Slams BJP Over MMDR Amendment Act, Warns of ₹1 Lakh Crore Loss for Odisha

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the recently passed MMDR Amendment Act 2026, alleging that it strips Odisha of its constitutional rights over mines and mineral‑bearing land.

According to the BJD, the amendment undermines India’s federal structure by removing states’ authority to levy taxes and royalties on mineral resources.

The party cited the Supreme Court’s landmark nine‑judge bench ruling of July 25, 2026, which upheld states’ rights to recover dues since 2005.

Odisha was entitled to recover arrears exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore and earn Rs 12,000 crore annually in mining revenue.

The BJD claims the amendment nullifies these entitlements, depriving Odisha of both arrears and future income.

Party leaders accused the BJP of betraying Odisha’s interests despite repeated appeals from BJD President Naveen Patnaik.

Supporting documents, including the Odisha Review (November 2025) and an affidavit by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, highlighted the critical role of arrears and annual revenue in Odisha’s development.

The BJD dismissed BJP’s assurances that Odisha would not suffer losses as “a blatant falsehood.”

Framing the issue as an attack on federalism, the BJD warned that the amendment sets a dangerous precedent by eroding states’ constitutional rights over natural resources.