Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Friday demanded a special session of the Assembly to voice dissent against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by Parliament on Thursday. Mr. Patnaik said the Bill usurps Odisha’s fiscal autonomy and termed it a “threat” to the State’s constitutional rights over its resources.

Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Friday demanded a special session of the Assembly to voice dissent against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by Parliament on Thursday. Mr. Patnaik said the Bill usurps Odisha’s fiscal autonomy and termed it a “threat” to the State’s constitutional rights over its resources.