Bhubaneswar: The opposition INDIA bloc on Tuesday held a mass convention in Bhubaneswar, demanding withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, and protection of Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources, land and forests.
Leaders of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, All India Forward Bloc, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD participated in the convention and resolved to intensify their agitation. The bloc also announced an ‘Assembly gherao’ on September 29 to press for its demands.
Opposition leaders described the amended mining law as “anti-Odisha” and “anti-people”, alleging that it undermines the constitutional and fiscal rights of mineral-rich states. They claimed the legislation would restrict states from imposing additional taxes on mineral rights and curb their ability to recover uncollected taxes, cess and arrears, potentially causing Odisha to lose substantial revenue.
The leaders also alleged that provisions allowing expansion of mining leases and composite licence areas, besides expansion of captive mining areas without open auction, could benefit large corporate entities at the expense of the state’s natural resources.
The INDIA bloc leaders accused the BJP government of compromising Odisha’s interests and alleged that the state’s mineral resources were being opened up for large-scale corporate exploitation.
The ruling BJP, however, has maintained that the amended mining law would benefit Odisha and accused the opposition of misleading people over its provisions.
