In a letter dated August 29, 2026, Patnaik pressed Odisha’s BJP MPs to oppose the bill, arguing that it strips the state of control over mineral-rich lands and could cost Odisha more than ₹12,000 crore annually.
Patnaik highlighted Odisha’s position as a state holding 44% of India’s mineral wealth. He argued that the bill poses a threat to the state’s revenue, the future of its youth and communities affected by mining.
The BJD president urged the BJP MPs to place Odisha’s interests above party lines and challenge the legislation in the interest of the state.
Appealing Hon’ble BJP MPs of #Odisha to challenge and call for a reversal of the amendment made in the #MMDR Act that takes away the powers of the Odisha Govt. Our Parliament is the highest temple of Indian democracy. As a member of Parliament, you are the voice of Odisha in this… pic.twitter.com/CPtGoFi1CL
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 29, 2026
The central government, however, has defended the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026, maintaining that it is intended to bring greater stability and investment to the mining sector. The government has also noted that most taxes continue to go to the states amid the ongoing debate over the balance of powers between the Centre and the states.
The dispute has placed Odisha’s mineral resources, state revenue and federal balance at the centre of the political debate over the proposed legislation.
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