Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is set to hold a mass protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar on Monday, September 28, demanding the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
The protest is scheduled to begin at 10 am, with BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expected to address the gathering. The party has appealed to people across Odisha to participate in the demonstration.
BJD Raises Concerns Over Mining Revenue
The BJD has opposed the amended mining law since its passage in Parliament, arguing that the legislation could affect the state’s financial interests and its powers relating to mineral resources.
Party spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty said the amendment undermines the rights of states over mines and mineral-bearing land. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling on states’ power to levy taxes on mineral-bearing lands and recover certain dues retrospectively.
The BJD has claimed that Odisha could have received substantial revenue from mineral-related dues under the Supreme Court ruling. These figures are part of the party’s argument against the amended legislation.
The state government, however, said in the Assembly last week that it has not yet made a quantified assessment of the potential revenue impact of the amended law. Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said the government had not examined the financial implications of Section 9D, which restricts states from imposing certain taxes, cess or other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land.
Opposition Protests Intensify
The MMDR issue has emerged as a major point of confrontation between the state government and the Opposition during the ongoing Assembly session.
BJD and Congress members have repeatedly protested inside the Assembly demanding action on the amendment, resulting in multiple adjournments.
The BJD had earlier held a demonstration near Lok Bhavan and submitted a memorandum seeking intervention over the legislation.
Congress and other opposition parties have also announced separate programmes against the amendment, indicating that protests over the mining law are likely to continue in the state.
BJD Seeks Public Support
The BJD has urged people to join Monday’s demonstration and support its demand for repeal of the amended law. The party has also announced plans for a broader agitation across Odisha.
With the MMDR Amendment Act continuing to dominate political proceedings in the state, Monday’s protest is expected to be another major show of opposition to the legislation.