Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik has launched a strong attack on the Centre over the recently passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation could have serious financial implications for Odisha and undermine the state’s interests in its mineral resources.
In a strongly worded video message, Naveen said Odisha’s land and mineral wealth belonged to its people and asserted that any move that weakened the state’s economic position would not be accepted.
“This land is ours, and its mineral resources are ours,” Naveen said, warning that the people of Odisha would never tolerate what he described as a “dangerous conspiracy” to weaken the state.
Recounting Odisha’s financial transformation during his 24-year tenure as Chief Minister, Patnaik said that when the BJD government assumed office in 2000, the state’s economy was in a “very poor condition” and the government had to depend on overdrafts.
However, when the government changed in 2024, he said, the BJD administration left behind a revenue surplus of around ₹50,000 crore.
“This was possible because of our strong financial management,” Naveen said, adding that improved state finances enabled Odisha to accelerate development, reduce poverty, expand infrastructure and implement several welfare programmes.
He also acknowledged the significant role played by mining revenue in Odisha’s economic growth.
Naveen alleged that the recently passed MMDR Amendment Bill could cause “irreparable loss” to Odisha and its people.
He criticised the Centre for passing what he described as a major legislative change without adequate discussion and claimed that BJD MPs were the only MPs from Odisha who strongly opposed the legislation in the Rajya Sabha.
Naveen said he had written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urging him to convene an all-party meeting and call a special session of the Odisha Assembly to discuss the issue.
“On the interests of Odisha and its people, nobody is bigger. Irrespective of political differences, we must all come together for the interests of our state,” he said.
Highlighting Odisha’s vast reserves of chromite, bauxite, iron ore, coal and manganese,the BJD President argued that the state should have a strong say in the management and revenue generated from its mineral resources.
“Why should we not be able to collect taxes from our own mines for the welfare of our people?” he asked.
He alleged that local communities bear the environmental and social costs of mining while the economic benefits could increasingly flow outside the state.
“Our people will bear the dust and pollution, while Delhi will prosper from our resources. We will never accept this,” he said.
LoP Naveen also questioned the role of Odisha’s BJP MPs in Parliament.
He said that despite Odisha electing 20 BJP MPs to the Lok Sabha in 2024, none had raised their voice strongly enough to protect the state’s interests on the issue.
According to Patnaik, the BJP government in Odisha had come to power in 2024 after people sought a change, but within two years, he alleged, the state was being pushed towards greater dependence on the Centre.
Invoking former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, Naveen said the veteran leader had always emphasised “economic autonomy” as essential for Odisha’s development.
He warned that any significant decline in mining-related revenue could affect the state’s ability to invest in schools, colleges, hospitals, roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure and welfare programmes.
“This money could have built more schools, colleges and hospitals, developed roads, bridges and electricity infrastructure, and supported new welfare programmes benefiting farmers and the poor,” he said.
He also raised questions about the long-term consequences of the legislation for Odisha’s youth.
“Can Odisha afford such a huge loss? What answer will we give to the coming generations and our youth? What will be the future of Gen Z?” he asked.
He said that protecting Odisha’s economic interests was not merely a political issue but a question concerning the state’s future generations.
Naveen said he had guarded Odisha’s interests for 24 years and maintained that governments at the Centre, regardless of their political affiliation, had not been able to compromise the state’s rights during his tenure.
Reiterating his opposition to the amended mining law, he pledged to continue his fight for Odisha’s rights “until his last breath.”
“This land is ours, and its mineral resources are ours. I will certainly fight to protect our rights. My struggle for the rights of Odisha and its people will continue till my last breath,” he said.
He appealed to people across political affiliations to unite in the fight to protect Odisha’s mineral resources, revenue and economic interests.
Naveen Warns of ‘Economic Threat’ to Odisha, Demands All-Party Unity over MMDR Amendment News Room Odisha.
Hence then, the article about naveen warns of economic threat to odisha demands all party unity over mmdr amendment was published today ( ) and is available on News room odisha ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Naveen Warns of ‘Economic Threat’ to Odisha, Demands All-Party Unity over MMDR Amendment )
Also on site :
- This ‘Whimsical’ 100% Cotton Throw Blanket With Cottagecore Charm Is Giving Major Anthropologie Vibes for Under $20
- Rosen Law Firm Encourages Suja Life, Inc. Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - SUJA
- The IRS is scrutinizing how UnitedHealth moved money through foreign subsidiaries—and whether it underpaid taxes