INDIA Bloc Launches Odisha Protests Over MMDR Mining Bill

The INDIA bloc, a coalition including the Congress, CPI(M), and other opposition parties, launched statewide protests in Odisha on August 25, 2026, to oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act. The demonstrations include rallies, torchlight processions, and the burning of effigies of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and 20 BJP MPs at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar. Opposition leaders characterize the legislation as anti-Odisha and anti-tribal, claiming it snatches fundamental rights from residents.

The protests intensified after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling rejected requests from the Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for a special Assembly session to discuss the bill, stating the issue could be addressed during the monsoon session. Congress leaders allege the act will cause an annual revenue loss of approximately ₹10,000 crore and potentially cost the state over ₹1 lakh crore in total. The INDIA bloc has threatened a statewide shutdown in September and demonstrations at the homes of BJP MPs if the legislation is not withdrawn.

Odisha Steel and Mines Minister B B Jena defended the law, asserting that reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have actually increased state revenue from mining. He accused the opposition of misleading the public. Meanwhile, the BJD criticized the central government for destabilizing the federal system to benefit corporate mine owners and questioned why 25 BJP MPs from Odisha remained silent during the bill's passage in Parliament.