Bhubaneswar, 29 August (H.S.): Odisha Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has urged all BJP Members of Parliament from Odisha to reconsider their support for the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the legislation could have serious long-term financial and administrative implications for the state.

In a letter dated August 29, 2026, addressed to BJP MPs from Odisha, Patnaik described August 13, when the MMDR Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with the support of Odisha’s BJP MPs, as a “black day for Odisha.”

Patnaik expressed concern over what he termed the hurried passage of the legislation, stating that the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with less than 10 minutes of discussion despite containing provisions with far-reaching implications for Odisha.

“Odisha undoubtedly will be the worst affected by this legislation,” Patnaik said, highlighting the state’s significant contribution to India’s mineral economy. He noted that Odisha accounts for nearly 44 per cent of the country’s mineral wealth and has supplied mineral resources for decades to support India’s steel, power, mining and infrastructure sectors.

According to Patnaik, the estimated annual financial loss to Odisha could exceed ₹12,000 crore, potentially amounting to several lakh crores of rupees over time. He also alleged that the amendment would significantly reduce the state government’s control over its mineral resources and mineral-bearing land.

The BJD president said the legislation would adversely affect the people of Odisha who face the consequences of mining, including pollution, displacement, environmental degradation and other associated hardships.

“This law is an injustice to the children and youth of Odisha, whose future is linked to the resources and opportunities of this State,” he said.

Patnaik appealed to the BJP MPs to “listen to their conscience” and consider the interests of future generations. He urged them to challenge the amendment and seek its reversal, particularly the provisions that, according to him, take away powers of the state government.

Emphasising the political and historical significance of the issue, Patnaik said history would judge the MPs not merely by the political party they supported, but by whether they stood up for Odisha when it mattered most.

“You are standing at a historic juncture with a choice to stand and fight for the state and the people who sent you to the Lok Sabha with a mandate to protect their interests,” Patnaik said, leaving the decision to the MPs’ judgment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda