Story perspectives

Bhubaneswar Protest Demands Repeal of MMDR Amendment Act

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:53 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

BJD President Naveen Patnaik led a massive Bhubaneswar protest demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act 2026.
Patnaik warned the amendment would cost Odisha thousands of crores rupees each year.
Lok Sabha passed the MMDR Amendment Bill on August 12, 2026, limiting state taxes on mineral-bearing lands.
BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said Odisha, holding 44% of India’s mineral resources, would be immensely hurt.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, granting Indian states the right to tax mineral-bearing lands, reshaping fiscal federalism. The amendment empowered Odisha, which contains 44% of India’s mineral resources, to collect up to INR2,000 crore annually from mining operations. Now Biju Janata Dal President Naveen Patnaik and Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra protest the 2026 MMDR Amendment, warning it will replicate those revenue losses. Should the Lok Sabha-approved bill remain, Odisha could face fiscal strain, prompting intensified negotiations between the Union Government and state leaders over mining taxes.

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Story summary

BJD President Naveen Patnaik led a massive Bhubaneswar protest demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act 2026.
Patnaik warned the amendment would cost Odisha thousands of crores rupees each year.
Lok Sabha passed the MMDR Amendment Bill on August 12, 2026, limiting state taxes on mineral-bearing lands.
BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said Odisha, holding 44% of India’s mineral resources, would be immensely hurt.

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