# Naveen Patnaik calls for united fight against MMDR Act in Odisha

2026-09-28T12:22:25+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday led a massive demonstration outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly, appealing to all political parties to oppose the implementation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 in the state. Patnaik alleged the Act would cost Odisha thousands of crores of rupees in annual revenue and was passed in Parliament without adequate discussion, criticising both the central and state BJP governments for remaining silent. The Hindu reports Patnaik questioned why the state government had not responded to his letters seeking a special assembly session or a resolution against the Act. Hindustan Times notes Patnaik accused BJP MPs from Odisha of staying silent on the issue. Odisha TV adds that BJD workers raised concerns about losing Rs 12,000 crore monthly that could fund infrastructure. The BJD has announced a wider district-level agitation, and INDIA Block leaders have called for another demonstration in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The amended Act restricts states' powers to tax mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, placing them under central control. BJD leaders have vowed to continue the fight until the legislation is withdrawn.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All three sources report Patnaik's protest and allegations uniformly, though The Hindu and Hindustan Times provide fuller attribution of his questioning of BJP MPs and the state government's silence. Odisha TV includes a worker's unverified claim that the BJP favours Adani and Ambani, adding a sensationalist edge absent in the other two. The coverage is otherwise neutral-report, with no source contesting Patnaik's revenue loss figures. The opposition's next step is a Bhubaneswar demonstration on Tuesday, which will test cross-party support for the agitation. The analysis highlights uniform coverage with a slight sensationalist element from Odisha TV, and ends with the concrete next step of Tuesday's demonstration.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/dont-allow-mmdr-act-to-be-implemented-in-odisha-naveen-patnaik-calls-for-united-fight/article71518870.ece>
  Leads with Patnaik's appeal and quotes, no editorialising
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/will-not-allow-mmdr-act-to-be-implemented-says-former-odisha-cm-naveen-patnaik-101790593148972.html>
  Straight report on Patnaik's statements and act details
- odishatv.in (sensationalist) <https://odishatv.in/odisha/fight-for-rights-of-45-crore-odias-naveen-patnaik-calls-upon-other-parties-to-unite-against-mmdr-bill-12585480>
  Includes worker's unverified Adani/Ambani allegation

Tags: BJD, BJP, MMDR Act, Naveen Patnaik, Odisha
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