Opposition Protests Against MMDRA Amendment Act in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, August 26: Opposition parties in Bhubaneswar recently staged a significant protest demanding the repeal of the newly passed ‘Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDRA) Amendment Act, 2026’. They claim that this law will lead to substantial economic losses for Odisha.

The protest began with a large rally from the Congress headquarters, proceeding to Lower PMG, where leaders and activists from various opposition parties gathered to demonstrate.

Protesters alleged that despite Odisha’s abundant natural resources, the central government’s policies have been discriminatory towards the state. They also criticized the central government for its handling of the education system, accusing it of neglecting the state’s interests.

Opposition leaders asserted that the recent amendments to the MMDRA Act would cost Odisha millions of crores in revenue. They targeted the Odisha government for allegedly remaining silent instead of opposing the law. During the rally, leaders labeled the MMDRA bill as anti-people and detrimental to Odisha’s interests, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

They emphasized that the opposition parties would not compromise on this issue and warned of escalating protests if the central government did not reconsider the law. Later, in a symbolic act of defiance, protesters burned effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Leaders reiterated their commitment to protecting Odisha’s interests and ensuring the state receives its rightful share of revenue from mineral resources.

Meanwhile, during a press conference held here on Tuesday, the Congress party strongly opposed the MMDRA Amendment Act, 2026. Senior Congress leader Prasad Kumar Harichandan addressed reporters, stating, “The MMDRA Amendment Act, 2026 is a direct attack on cooperative federalism and the financial rights of mineral-rich states. The Congress party completely opposes this Act. Since the law has received presidential assent, our demand is clear and firm: the central government must withdraw and annul this law and restore the constitutional and financial rights of the states.”