📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Government of Odisha
Politics
Odisha Opposition Parties Jointly Urge President to Withhold Signature on MMDR Bill 2026
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 05:36 PM
👁 4
All major opposition parties in Odisha have jointly written to the President, requesting that he refrain from signing the MMDR Bill 2026, citing concerns over its provisions.
A coalition of Odisha's opposition parties has submitted a collective appeal to the President of India, asking him not to give his assent to the MMDR Bill 2026. The joint letter, signed by leaders of the major regional and national parties in the state, underscores a unified stance against the legislation.
The parties argue that the bill, which deals with the regulation of mineral resources, could have far‑reaching consequences for Odisha's mining sector and local communities. They contend that the draft was prepared without adequate consultation with state stakeholders and may undermine environmental safeguards.
The appeal arrives at a politically sensitive time, as the state government prepares to introduce the bill in the legislature. Opposition leaders said they will continue to press the President and seek broader public debate before any assent is granted.
No official response from the President's office has been recorded yet, and the matter is expected to shape upcoming discussions in both state and national forums.
The parties argue that the bill, which deals with the regulation of mineral resources, could have far‑reaching consequences for Odisha's mining sector and local communities. They contend that the draft was prepared without adequate consultation with state stakeholders and may undermine environmental safeguards.
The appeal arrives at a politically sensitive time, as the state government prepares to introduce the bill in the legislature. Opposition leaders said they will continue to press the President and seek broader public debate before any assent is granted.
No official response from the President's office has been recorded yet, and the matter is expected to shape upcoming discussions in both state and national forums.