📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Subhrasingh
Politics
BJD Blames BJP Over MMDR Amendment, Says Odisha Loses Rs 12,000 Cr Annually
✍️ Pragativadi
🗓 29 Aug 2026, 08:37 AM
👁 3
The Biju Janata Dal has accused the BJP-led centre of harming Odisha’s mining income, alleging a loss of Rs 12,000 crore each year after the recent MMDR amendment.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched a strong criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the central government introduced an amendment to the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act. BJD officials contend that the changes will deprive Odisha of roughly Rs 12,000 crore in mining revenue each year, a figure they say reflects the state’s heavy reliance on mineral extraction.
According to the party, the amendment alters royalty calculations and allocation mechanisms in a manner that favours central interests over state earnings. BJD leaders argue that the move undermines the fiscal health of Odisha, which depends on mining royalties to fund public services and development projects.
The BJP, however, has not yet responded to the specific allegations. The dispute highlights the broader tension between state governments and the centre over resource management, especially in mineral‑rich states like Odisha.
Analysts note that if the party's estimates are accurate, the financial impact could be significant for the state’s budget. The issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming political debates and may influence future negotiations on resource‑sharing policies.
The BJD has called for a review of the amendment and urged the central government to engage with state officials to protect Odisha’s revenue interests.
According to the party, the amendment alters royalty calculations and allocation mechanisms in a manner that favours central interests over state earnings. BJD leaders argue that the move undermines the fiscal health of Odisha, which depends on mining royalties to fund public services and development projects.
The BJP, however, has not yet responded to the specific allegations. The dispute highlights the broader tension between state governments and the centre over resource management, especially in mineral‑rich states like Odisha.
Analysts note that if the party's estimates are accurate, the financial impact could be significant for the state’s budget. The issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming political debates and may influence future negotiations on resource‑sharing policies.
The BJD has called for a review of the amendment and urged the central government to engage with state officials to protect Odisha’s revenue interests.