LoP Naveen Patnaik flags threat to Odisha’s mineral revenue, demands all-party meet and special assembly session

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik today wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi bringing his attention to the recent passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 by Parliament and said that the legislation poses a serious threat to Odisha’s fiscal autonomy and constitutional rights over its natural resources.

Naveen said, “The provisions introduced in this Bill will disproportionately impact mineral-rich states like Odisha, leading to massive revenue losses and stifling our state’s developmental agenda. The Amendment raises critical concerns through the provisions: Encroachment of State Land and Fiscal Jurisdiction, Restriction on State Revenue Powers and Delegation of Power to the Centre.”

“Odisha’s natural wealth belongs to her people, and the revenue generated from mining operations is crucial for financing healthcare, education, social welfare schemes, and infrastructure development across the state. By stripping the state of its power to impose taxes and cesses on its own mineral-bearing lands, the Union Government has dealt a heavy blow to federalism and state revenue autonomy,” he added.

“Given the gravity of this situation and its long-term adverse implications for Odisha’s economy, I strongly urge Shri Majhi to convene an All-Party Meeting immediately to build a unified consensus on safeguarding Odisha’s federal rights and mineral revenues. Urge you to summon a Special Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly to formally pass a unanimous Resolution opposing this Amendment Act and protesting the Union Government’s usurpation of state powers,” the LoP demanded.

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He further said, “Fiscal autonomy is a constitutional principle built into our federal system. This Bill directly undermines a critical pillar of the Centre-State relationship, taking India’s federal structure in a distinctly retrogressive direction and striking at the foundation of cooperative federalism.”

“This issue transcends political affiliations, as it directly impacts the financial stability and future growth of Odisha. If the Central Government takes away the State’s authority over mineral-bearing lands and its right to levy cesses, only pollution, displacement and burden of mining will remain with Odisha, while the benefits are taken away from its people. I hope you will act swiftly in the paramount interest of the people of Odisha,” Patnaik hoped.

Also Read: Odisha Chief Minister’s Public Grievance Cell To Remain Closed On August 17

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