BJP and BJD Clash Over Controversial MMDR Act: What’s at Stake for Odisha?
Political Tensions Rise Over Mining Legislation
Bhubaneswar: The political landscape in Odisha is heating up as the BJP and BJD engage in a fierce debate regarding the MMDR Act. The BJP has accused former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of 'shedding crocodile tears', while the BJD has countered by labeling the BJP's claims as 'lies' regarding the implications of the new mining legislation.
In August, Parliament approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which limits the authority of states to impose taxes on mineral rights and lands rich in minerals.
The Odisha BJP took to social media, stating, 'Both BJD and its leader Naveen Patnaik are shedding crocodile tears over the MMDR Act. The state has incurred losses amounting to Rs 1.03 crore due to the previous BJD government's inefficiencies.'
Conversely, BJD MP Santrupt Misra accused the BJP of neglecting the interests of Odisha. He remarked, 'This new law undermines the rights of mineral-rich states like Odisha over their mines and mining lands, representing an assault on our federal structure.'
Misra further claimed that BJP leaders were spreading 'outright falsehoods', asserting that the central government has permanently stripped state governments of their rights concerning mines and mineral-rich lands.
He referenced a Supreme Court ruling from July 25, which affirmed that states retain the right to impose taxes and levies on mines and mineral-bearing lands. Misra noted that this ruling also indicated that taxes and levies owed since 2005 could be reclaimed.
According to him, Odisha is now entitled to recover over Rs 1 lakh crore in arrears, with the potential to gain an additional Rs 12,000 crore annually in revenue.
In a separate press briefing, the opposition Congress party expressed strong opposition to the MMDR Act, initiating a statewide protest, while criticizing the BJD for limiting its response to press conferences and written communications.