Naveen Patnaik urges Odisha BJP MPs to reverse changes to mining law

Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

BJD president Naveen Patnaik has written to BJP MPs from Odisha, urging them to seek a reversal of the amendments to the MMDR Act that, he said, would restrict the state government’s powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land parcels.

In his letter on Saturday, Patnaik also appealed to the ruling party MPs to protect the interests of the people who elected them to Parliament. He said the amendments, passed earlier this month in Parliament as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, would have far-reaching implications for Odisha.

Patnaik wrote, “I earnestly appeal to you (BJP MPs) to listen to your conscience and think about the future generations of Odisha. I appeal to you to challenge and call for a reversal of the amendment made in the MMDR Act that takes away the powers of the state government.” He also said Parliament is the “highest temple of Indian democracy” and that MPs are the voice of Odisha in this “tallest forum of democracy”.

In the letter, he said, “The people of Odisha elected you in good faith to protect their interests. It is therefore a matter of utmost concern that you voted in favour of one of the most arbitrary legislations that will have far-reaching adverse implications for the people of Odisha who put their trust in you.” Patnaik described August 13, the day the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with the support of Odisha BJP MPs, as a “black day” for the state.

He also said, “The Bill was passed with less than ten minutes of discussion in the Lok Sabha, despite having provisions with far-reaching implications for the people of Odisha. This was not an ordinary piece of legislation.” Patnaik had recently written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as well, asking him to convene a special session of the Assembly to deliberate on the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. In his latest letter, Patnaik reiterated his opposition to the amendments and urged Odisha’s BJP MPs to act in the state’s interest.

– Ends

SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA