Naveen Patnaik Raises Alarm Over New Mining Bill Threatening Odisha's Fiscal Independence

Concerns Over Fiscal Autonomy in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, expressed serious concerns on Friday regarding the recently passed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill. He believes this legislation poses a significant risk to the financial independence of Odisha and has called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to organize a special Assembly session to formally oppose the bill.

The Parliament approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Thursday, which aims to limit the authority of states to impose taxes on mineral rights and lands rich in minerals.

In his correspondence with Majhi, Patnaik urged, "Please convene a Special Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly to adopt a unanimous resolution against this Amendment Act and to protest the central government's encroachment on state powers."

Additionally, the opposition leader requested an immediate all-party meeting to foster a collective agreement on protecting Odisha's federal rights and mineral revenues, which he claims have been adversely affected by the bill's passage.

"This legislative action represents a grave threat to Odisha's fiscal autonomy and its constitutional rights over natural resources," stated the former chief minister of this mineral-rich state.