Odisha Congress to Hit Streets Over MMDR Act-2026
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress, backed by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has announced statewide protests against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 (MMDR Act-2026).
During the monsoon session of the Assembly, opposition members disrupted proceedings, wearing black scarves and raising slogans against the Centre.
Senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati declared that the party would take the fight to the streets, calling the Act a direct attack on Odisha’s fundamental rights.
Plans include demonstrations and blockades at the residences of ruling MPs.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reaffirmed the BJD’s opposition, vowing to resist the Act “until our last breath.”
The party claims Odisha could lose ₹12,000–₹20,000 crore annually, along with nearly ₹1 lakh crore in arrears.
Congress leader Narasingha Mishra warned of a ₹17,000 crore loss, while Rajgangpur MLA C.S. Ekka argued the amendment undermines tribal rights and weakens Gram Sabha authority under the PESA Act.
The BJP, however, defended the legislation.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that 90% of mining revenues would return to the state, ensuring transparency and securing Odisha’s share in royalties and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds.
The state government has said the financial impact is still under assessment.
The controversy over Section 9D of the amendment, which restricts states from imposing independent taxes on mineral rights, has triggered a major political showdown in Odisha, pitting opposition parties against the Centre’s reforms.
