Mahua Maji Criticizes Mineral Amendment Bill as Unjust to Indigenous People

Ranchi, August 20: Mahua Maji, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has voiced strong opposition to the ‘Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill – 2026.’ During a recent discussion, she emphasized the need to protect the rights of the state and stated that her party would protest against the central government‘s policies in a democratic manner.

Maji remarked, “The main focus of our meeting was to oppose the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2026. We also discussed issues related to delimitation and certain problems concerning the SIR. We believe that the central government must withdraw the amendment bill. The government had previously introduced two or three controversial laws, which faced significant opposition from farmers, leading to the unfortunate loss of lives. Eventually, the government had to retract those laws.”

She added, “This bill poses a significant threat to the state and is a grave injustice to the indigenous people. Therefore, we all want the government to withdraw it. Movements against this bill have already begun in several places, and they have faced suppression. Our party is committed to activism. We must follow the path shown by Shibu Soren.”

Maji highlighted that the new bill would adversely affect various welfare schemes implemented by the state government, such as the Manjhi Samman Yojana, housing schemes, and scholarship programs. She insisted that the government should revoke the bill and restore the rights and entitlements of the states. “The Supreme Court’s nine-judge bench has endorsed this. Are you disregarding the Supreme Court’s orders?” she questioned.

While addressing the demands of students in Jharkhand, she accused the BJP of attempting to exert pressure in collaboration with some students. “Those who are employed often seek recourse in court. The court’s decision is paramount. The BJP has tried to create significant pressure alongside certain students. Some even resorted to hunger strikes, prompting the government to make decisions in favor of student welfare. The future of students and the restoration of peace in the state must be prioritized,” she concluded.