BJD Slams BJP Over MMDR Amendment, Warns of ₹12,000 Cr Loss

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the recent amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), warning that Odisha could lose nearly Rs 12,000 crore annually in mining revenue.

BJD leaders alleged that the amendment undermines India’s federal structure by diverting royalties from Odisha’s mineral resources to the Centre, depriving the state of funds crucial for development.

They also accused the BJP government of ignoring a Supreme Court directive to recover Rs 1.5 lakh crore in dues from mining companies, claiming the new law prevents Odisha from pursuing such recoveries.

The party further charged Odisha’s 20 BJP MPs with failing to defend the state’s interests in Parliament, as they supported the Bill without debate.

In response, the BJD announced statewide protests to safeguard Odisha’s rights and resources.

The Congress echoed similar concerns, questioning the silence of Odisha’s BJP MPs and accusing them of betraying the state’s people.