Intensifying its criticism of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Odisha government, alleging that the party, which came to power on the plank of Odia Asmita, is now actively stripping the state of its wealth.
Addressing a press conference, former Minister and BJD Vice President Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak lashed out at the “double-engine government” for sidelining the interest of the people and behaving like a liaison for mining companies.
“The double-engine administration has set its sight on grabbing the rich mineral reserves of Odisha. Through the MMDR Amendment Act, the Central Government has taken the direct control over the state’s mining assets. As a consequence of this Act, Odisha stands to lose Rs 12,000 crore in annual revenue and upwards of Rs 1 lakh crore in outstanding taxes,” Nayak charged.
He further alleged that BJP MPS and the state government have failed to oppose the legislation, trading off the public interest for partisan gains. Nayak highlighted that between 2021 and 2023, the previous BJD administration had slapped tax recovery notices worth Rs 22,000 crore on mine operators, successfully recovering Rs 16,000 crore.
Rather than pursuing similar recovery measures, Nayak alleged, the current BJP-led government is passively following Central directives.
“The neighbouring Jharkhand government successfully collected Rs 42,000 crore in overdue mining dues. Why is the double-engine government showing such extraordinary leniency toward mine owners? Unless this lack law is scrapped, the BJD will continue its movement against it,” he said.
Nayak called upon the Odisha government to take immediate leagal recourse against the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, by challenging its validity in the Supreme Court.
Speaking at the press briefing, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty accused the double-engine government of acting against the foundational interests of Odisha. He added that the BJD’s agitation against the state leadership, for prioritizing mining interests over citizens’ rights, will sharpen intensify in the coming days.
