Naveen Patnaik Writes Open Letter to BJP MPs, Demands Withdrawal of MMDR Amendment Bill

BJD chief urges Odisha BJP MPs to oppose MMDR amendments, citing revenue losses and reduced state control over mineral resources

By OdishaConnect On Aug 29, 2026

Odisha’s Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has written an open letter to BJP MPs from the state, urging them to oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 and raise their voice in Parliament to protect Odisha’s interests.

In the letter, Patnaik described the passage of the MMDR Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 13 as a “black day” in Odisha’s history. He alleged that the Bill was passed after less than 10 minutes of discussion and expressed disappointment that BJP MPs from Odisha voted in its favour.

Patnaik claimed that Odisha accounts for nearly 44% of India’s mineral resources and argued that the amendment could cause the state to lose more than ₹12,000 crore in annual revenue, with the cumulative loss potentially exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in the future.

According to Patnaik, the amendment would significantly reduce the state government’s control over Odisha’s mineral resources and mining areas. He termed the move an injustice to the future of Odisha’s youth and said the state has already borne the consequences of mining activities, including pollution, displacement and environmental degradation.

The former Chief Minister also raised concerns over the rights of communities living in mining-affected areas, arguing that Odisha should have a greater say in decisions concerning its mineral wealth.

Appeal to BJP MPs

Patnaik urged the BJP MPs to listen to their conscience and demand the repeal of the amendments made to the MMDR Act. He also asked them to press for restoration of the powers of the Odisha government over the state’s mineral resources.

“History respects only those who raise their voice for their state and its people during times of crisis,” Patnaik said in his letter.

The open letter comes amid a growing political debate in Odisha over the implications of the MMDR amendments and the distribution of powers between the Centre and mineral-rich states.