Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has warned of an economic blockade in Odisha if the Centre does not withdraw the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, BJD leaders said the party would take the movement to a decisive stage, claiming that the amended law has deprived Odisha of its economic rights and could adversely affect the state’s future and the interests of its younger generation.

The warning came a day after BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik led a massive protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar. Patnaik had said the agitation would continue until the Act was withdrawn.

The BJD claimed that the protest received significant public support and said the response reflected growing public anger over the legislation. The party alleged that the amended law would weaken the state’s powers over mineral resources and cause Odisha to lose thousands of crores of rupees in revenue every year.

BJD leaders said the party would continue the agitation for a prolonged period and take it to a decisive stage if the Centre does not reconsider the legislation. They also claimed that political parties, mass organisations and student and youth groups, except the BJP, were opposing the law.

The BJD also criticised the state government over the functioning of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The party alleged that although it had submitted a motion seeking a discussion on the Act, the government did not accept it.

According to the BJD, the government was claiming outside the Assembly that it was ready for discussions, while avoiding a debate on the issue inside the House. The party further alleged that the Assembly was adjourned intentionally to avoid discussion.

The party said its campaign would continue with the focus on safeguarding Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources, protecting state revenues and addressing what it described as the long-term interests of the state’s youth.