Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has expressed concern over the passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Parliament recently.

“This legislative measure poses a serious threat to Odisha’s fiscal autonomy and constitutional rights over its natural resources,” said Patnaik in a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday.

According to Patnaik, a five-time former Chief Minister, the MMDR Amendment Bill has the provisions to expand the Union Government’s control over the mineral-bearing lands of Odisha and other states and regulate their mines.

Besides, the Bill prohibits Odisha and other states from levying any tax, cess or similar levy on mineral rights or mineral-bearing lands.

Similarly, the legislation grants authority to the Centre to frame rules restricting the power of the states to levy taxes on minerals, said Patnaik in his letter.

The BJD supremo has urged the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting immediately for building a consensus to safeguard Odisha’s rights with regard to the mines and minerals of the state.

Patnaik also urged Majhi to summon a special session of the Odisha Assembly and take the necessary steps for the passage of a unanimous resolution opposing the Bill.

“Odisha’s natural wealth belongs to her people and the revenue generated from the mining operations is crucial for financing healthcare, education, social welfare schemes and infrastructure development across Odisha. By stripping the state of its power to impose taxes and cesses on its own mineral-bearing lands, the Centre has dealt a heavy blow to federalism and state revenue autonomy,” added Patnaik.