Odisha: BJD criticise BJP over MMDR amendment, warns of Rs 12,000 crore loss

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14 (IANS) The BJD launched a fierce attack on the BJP‑led state and central governments over the amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, warning that the new legislation will divert Odisha’s vast mining revenue to Delhi and inflict an annual loss of Rs 12,000 crore on the state exchequer.

Addressing a joint press conference at Sankha Bhawan on Thursday, former Minister Priti Ranjan Ghadai and Senior General Secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra condemned the move, accusing the “double‑engine” government of sacrificing the state’s economic interests.

Ghadai stated that ever since the BJP assumed power in the state, illegal smuggling of mineral resources has surged across Odisha.

He criticised the central government for seizing royalty revenues generated from local mineral wealth that ought to be utilised for public welfare through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

He further questioned the role of Odisha’s 20 BJP Members of Parliament, accusing them of remaining silent and backing the Bill in Parliament without any discussion, thereby striking a blow at the nation’s federal structure.

“The people of Odisha deserve an answer as to how the state BJP Government and the MPs accepted this Bill, which strikes at the federal structure. It is unacceptable that Odisha’s mining revenue will not be invested in the development of the state but will instead be used for the development of other states,” he said.

Adding to the criticism, Baxipatra said the Central Government has attempted to loot Odisha through amendments to the MMDR Act. He alleged that the Bill was passed in Parliament for partisan interests. Despite the Supreme Court ruling that the State Government has the exclusive right to collect revenue from the mining sector for the development of mineral‑rich Odisha, the Central BJP Government is disregarding the judgment and undermining the state’s rights.

He pointed out that although the Supreme Court directed in July 2024 that Rs 1.5 lakh crore in outstanding dues be recovered from mining owners, the State BJP Government has made no effort to recover this amount.

“On the other hand, through this law, the annual revenue of Rs 12,000 crore that the state receives will be handed over to the Central Government. According to the new Bill, the State Government will no longer be able to recover outstanding dues from any mining owner. The people of Odisha will never forgive the BJP Government for the immense loss it is causing to the state,” Baxipatra said.

Reiterating the party’s stance, the leaders emphasised that the BJD had strongly opposed the MMDR Act Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha. To safeguard the rights and resources of the people, the party announced that it will soon hit the streets and launch state‑wide agitations.

The Opposition Congress also fiercely criticised the government over the issue, questioning the silence of the MPs from Odisha.

–IANS

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