Bhubaneswar: Accusing the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Odisha of acting against the interests of the State, Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stated the MMDR Amendment Act is an attempt to loot the mineral resources of Odisha. 

Former Minister and BJD Vice-President Sanjay Das Burma and Biju Yuva Janata Dal President Chinmay Sahu raised the issue at a press conference held at Sankha Bhawan, the party's state headquarters.

Das Burma described the MMDR Amendment Act as a “black law” and alleged BJP leaders from Odisha had compromised the state's interests by prioritising the interests of the Centre.

“For BJP leaders, the party has become more important than the soil of Odisha,” he alleged, claiming Odisha’s 20 Lok Sabha MPs and five Rajya Sabha MPs supported the legislation in Parliament.

He further alleged the amended law would benefit certain capitalists and mining businesses at the cost of Odisha’s mineral resources.

Sahu also criticised the Centre, alleging it was taking away Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources and collecting revenue and outstanding taxes in violation of Supreme Court directions. He claimed such a move was detrimental to the federal structure.

The two BJD leaders reiterated the party would continue its agitation for Odisha’s rights and demanded repeal of what they termed the “black law”.

BJP reacts

Reacting to the allegations, BJP General Secretary Biranchi Narayan Tripathy defended the MMDR Amendment Act and said the Odisha government was working with the Centre in accordance with the principles of cooperative federalism to accelerate the state’s overall development.

Tripathy accused the BJD of shedding “crocodile tears” over Odisha’s mineral resources despite alleging that the previous BJD government was involved in mining-related irregularities.

He claimed the amended MMDR Act would ensure Odisha and other mineral-rich states receive their rightful share of revenue while facilitating development.

Tripathy also alleged that the previous BJD government had misused funds under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for political and party-related purposes. The BJP government, he said, has changed the system and is now utilising DMF funds for the benefit of ordinary citizens.

The BJP leader alleged that the BJD was attempting to create controversy over the MMDR Act to retain its political position and mislead people.

“People will not be misled by such politics,” Tripathy said, asserting that the BJD's efforts to create confusion over the MMDR Act would not succeed.