Patnaik urges BJP MPs to oppose MMDR amendment

Biju Janata Dal president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to the 20 BJP Lok Sabha members from Odisha, urging them to oppose and seek a reversal of the recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 2026. In his letter, dated August 29, Patnaik described the passage of the MMDR Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 13 as a "black day for Odisha," arguing the legislation would severely impact the state's financial interests and dilute its control over mineral resources. Patnaik criticized the parliamentary process, noting the bill was passed after less than ten minutes of discussion despite its significant implications.