Kendujhar: The Congress in Odisha has announced a major protest in Kendujhar against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, with the party and its allies planning a large rally in the district on October 7.

PCC chief observer and Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati made the announcement at a press conference held at the district Congress office in Kendujhar on Thursday.

Bahinpati said the Congress and its alliance partners would organise the rally to oppose provisions of the amended mining law. He also announced that the party would seek to stop the transportation of minerals through pipelines from the district as part of its protest. According to him, the proposed stoppage would initially continue for seven days.

The Congress leader alleged that the amended law would adversely affect the rights and interests of tribal communities and the general public in mineral-rich regions.

Former PCC president Jayadev Jena, Kendujhar district Congress president Manoj Jena and several other party leaders were present at the press conference.

The Congress is expected to mobilise its workers and supporters from across the district for the October 7 programme.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 was passed by Parliament in August and received Presidential assent on August 17. The law came into force on August 22. Among other provisions, it restricts state governments from imposing taxes, cess or other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands except under conditions prescribed by the Centre.

The Centre has defended the legislation as a measure aimed at creating a more uniform and predictable fiscal framework for the mining sector. According to the Union government, the amendment is intended to address multiple levies and reduce costs for mineral-based industries while improving investment certainty.

Opposition parties, however, have raised concerns over the impact of the legislation on the fiscal powers and autonomy of mineral-rich states. In Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has also opposed the amendment, arguing that it could affect the state's rights over mineral resources and mineral-bearing lands.