Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has challenged the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha for an open debate on the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Parliament recently.

BJD supremo and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier raised objection to the MMDR Amendment Bill on the plea that it would result in revenue loss for Odisha.

He had urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special session of the Odisha Assembly and pass a unanimous resolution opposing the MMDR Bill.

However, several BJP leaders including former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Steel and Mines Minster Bibhuti Bhushan Jena claimed that the Bill will not have any adverse impact on Odisha. They accused the BJD supremo of misleading the people.

“The MMDR Amendment Bill, which was recently passed in the Lok Sabha without any discussion, would cause extensive losses not only to Odisha but also to all mineral-rich states across the country,” said the Opposition party while challenging the BJP government for an open debate on the issue.

According to BJD leader and former minister Arun Sahoo, in July 2024, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had examined the issue and held that states have rights over mines and mineral-bearing lands and, therefore, states can impose levies and taxes on minerals.

“In the same judgment, the Supreme Court had stated that states could recover outstanding taxes from mining companies with effect from 1 April 2005. Accordingly, it was estimated that Odisha alone could recover around Rs 1.5 lakh crore as arrears. In addition, it was estimated that the state could earn an additional Rs 12,000 crore annually in mining revenue. However, through the MMDR Amendment Bill, the Centre has taken away Odisha’s legitimate entitlement. What is unfortunate is that all 20 BJP Lok Sabha MPs and five BJP Rajya Sabha MPs from Odisha supported the Bill in the Parliament,” stated the former minister.

Mines Minister Jena once again ruled out any revenue loss to Odisha due to the MMDR Amendment Bill. He claimed that the Bill benefit Odisha and other mineral-bearing states.

“The amendment is a positive step and the revised provisions will enable states to receive greater financial benefits from their mineral resources. The provision of 15 per cent royalty would help states generate additional revenue. Odisha would not suffer any loss because of the amendment,” he said.

According to the minister, the MMDR Amendment Bill will ultimately strengthen the financial positions of the states and create greater benefits from the mining sector.