Bhubaneswar, Aug 26 (IANS) Stepping up its criticism of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)‑led state government, alleging that the party, which came to power invoking the cause of Odia Asmita, is now engaged in looting Odisha.
At a press conference, former Minister and BJD Vice President Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak slammed the “double‑engine government” for ignoring the interests of the people and working like an agent of mine owners.
“The Double Engine Government has cast its greedy eye on the mineral resources of mineral‑rich Odisha. Through the MMDR Amendment Act, the Central Government has taken the state’s mines under its control. Because of this Act, Odisha will lose annual revenue of Rs 12,000 crore and more than Rs 1 lakh crore in outstanding taxes,” Nayak alleged.
He further claimed that BJP MPs and the state government did not raise their voices against the Act, forgetting the people’s interests for party gains. Nayak said the BJD government had issued notices to mine owners between 2021 and 2023 for outstanding taxes amounting to Rs 22,000 crore and recovered Rs 16,000 crore.
Instead of taking similar action, Nayak alleged, the BJP government is merely complying with the Centre’s directions. “The neighbouring Jharkhand Government has recovered Rs 42,000 crore in outstanding mining taxes. Why does the BJP Government have so much affection for mine owners? If the Double Engine Government does not repeal this black law, the BJD’s struggle against it will continue,” he said.
Nayak urged the Odisha government to immediately initiate legal action against the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and challenge its provisions in the Supreme Court.
Speaking at the press conference, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the Double Engine Government has become an enemy of Odisha. He added that the BJD’s struggle against the government, which is sacrificing the interests of the people and acting in ways that benefit mine owners, will intensify in the days ahead.
–IANS
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