Story perspectives

Congress and BJD Protest MMDR Repeal, Call Oct. 8 Bandh

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 4:22 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

BJD and Congress protesters rallied outside the minister’s residence demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
The Odisha Assembly adjourned sine die a day earlier, prompting protesters to shift focus to the residence.
Congress president Bhakta Charan Das announced a statewide bandh for October 8 to pressure the government.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the law could cost Odisha Rs 1 lakh crore in pending taxes and Rs 12,000 crore annually.

History

Historical Context

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, first passed in 1957, was amended in 1999 and again in 2015 to introduce auction-based licences, a District Mineral Foundation and a 50-year licence term, then in 2016 to permit captive-lease transfers. Supreme Court’s 2014 cancellation of Odisha mines spurred these changes, framing today’s protest against the 2026 amendment.

1 of 2

Story summary

BJD and Congress protesters rallied outside the minister’s residence demanding repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
The Odisha Assembly adjourned sine die a day earlier, prompting protesters to shift focus to the residence.
Congress president Bhakta Charan Das announced a statewide bandh for October 8 to pressure the government.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the law could cost Odisha Rs 1 lakh crore in pending taxes and Rs 12,000 crore annually.

1 / 2