Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday intensified its protest against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, alleging that the legislation undermines Odisha’s constitutional and fiscal interests, and submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu through Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati seeking its withdrawal.
A BJD delegation met the Governor at Lok Bhavan and handed over the memorandum, while party leaders and workers staged a protest outside the Governor’s residence demanding repeal of the amended law. The party claimed that the legislation could adversely affect Odisha’s legitimate rights over its mineral resources and cause substantial financial losses to the state.
The BJD pointed out that Odisha, one of the country’s major mineral-rich states, has significant reserves of iron ore, coal, bauxite, chromite and other minerals, with mining historically contributing substantially to the state’s revenue. It also referred to the July 25, 2026 judgment of the Supreme Court’s nine-Judge Constitution Bench, which, according to the party, recognised the power of states to impose taxes and levies on mines and mineral-bearing lands and dealt with recovery of such dues from April 1, 2005.
Addressing the protesters, BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra described the amendment as a “black act” and alleged that it favoured corporates. He said the party’s demand to refer the legislation to a Select Committee was not accepted and accused the Centre of undermining Odisha’s development and interests.
Senior party leader Prasanna Acharya said the protest reflected the sentiment across Odisha and alleged that the amendment was contrary to the federal principles of the Constitution. Bhrugu Baxipatra claimed that Odisha stood to lose around Rs 1 lakh crore because of the legislation.
Kataka Mayor and BJD leader Subash Singh also criticised the amendment, alleging that it would adversely affect Odisha’s economic and developmental interests.
After submitting the memorandum, Acharya said the party’s agitation would continue until the Centre makes necessary changes to the law.
