BJD accuses BJP Odisha MPs of backing mining law that costs state ₹1 lakh crore
· India · The Hindu, PTI
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday alleged that BJP MPs from Odisha supported the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, despite knowing it could cost the state nearly ₹1 lakh crore in mineral revenue arrears. Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Santrupt Misra said the Odisha government's own Advocate General Pitambar Acharya had told the Supreme Court in an affidavit that the arrears were the state's legitimate entitlement. The new Section 9D of the amended MMDR Act invalidates any pre-amendment tax, cess or levy on mineral rights not already collected, and bars refunds of amounts already recovered. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier objected to the provision, calling it an erosion of state rights over mineral resources.
Why it matters
Odisha stands to lose around ₹1 lakh crore in mineral revenue, a sum large enough to affect state finances and development spending, and the dispute has reopened the federal fight between states and the Centre over control of mineral wealth.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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