Naveen Patnaik Calls MMDR Bill a ‘Black Day’ for Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has strongly criticised the passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a “black day” for the state.
He warned that the amendment, which centralises control over mineral resources, could strip Odisha of its economic autonomy and cause losses exceeding Rs 12,000 crore annually.
Patnaik condemned the hasty passage of the Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging it was pushed through in just ten minutes without proper debate.
He stressed that Odisha, which contributes nearly 44% of India’s mineral wealth, faces grave risks of environmental degradation, displacement, and livelihood loss if unchecked mining continues under the new framework.
In a letter to BJP MPs from Odisha, Patnaik urged them to reconsider their stance, listen to their conscience, and safeguard the state’s interests.
He emphasised that history would judge them by whether they stood up for Odisha’s rights.
Other leaders, including Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka, have echoed similar concerns, branding the Bill “anti-tribal” and “anti-state.”
