Bhubaneswar, Sep 28: BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday joined his party’s protest at Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, as the issue continued to trigger disruptions in the Odisha Assembly.

The protest followed an uproar during Zero Hour, after which the Assembly was adjourned till 4 pm. BJD leaders and workers gathered at Lower PMG, demanding withdrawal of the amended legislation.

Addressing the gathering, Patnaik said the BJD’s campaign was focused on what he described as protecting Odisha’s interests and the rights of its people. He argued that the legislation has significant implications for the state’s mineral resources and revenue.

Patnaik questioned the passage of the legislation in Parliament and criticised BJP MPs from Odisha over their support for the measure. He also said he had earlier written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking a special Assembly session and a resolution opposing the amendments.

Patnaik claimed that Odisha could face annual financial losses running into thousands of crores because of the legislation. The Indian Express has reported that Patnaik has estimated the annual impact at more than Rs 12,000 crore, while state government representatives have disputed the Opposition’s assessment and defended the amendments.

The MMDR Amendment Act, passed by Parliament in August, changes the framework governing taxation of mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The legislation has become a major political issue in Odisha, with the BJD opposing the amendments, while the BJP has argued that the changes are in the broader interests of the state and its people.

Patnaik appealed to political parties to join the campaign against the legislation and said the BJD would continue raising the issue of Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources.

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