Odisha CM Patnaik Blames BJP MPs for Mining Law, Warns of Revenue Impact

The Monsoon Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly continued to face significant disruptions on Friday as opposition parties escalated their protest against the recently passed mines legislation. Members from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, wearing black scarves and raising slogans in the House, demanded the immediate repeal of the law. The assembly proceedings were adjourned until 4 p.m. as the disturbances persisted, marking the fourth consecutive day of disruptions.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attributed responsibility for the law's passage to Odisha's BJP Members of Parliament, alleging they supported the legislation without adequate consideration of the state's interests. Patnaik cautioned that the law poses a threat to Odisha's revenue generation, a critical concern for a state with substantial mineral resources.

The controversy centers on perceived inadequacies in the legislation's provisions regarding state revenues from mining operations. Opposition parties argue that the law fails to adequately protect Odisha's financial interests and have called for its withdrawal before implementation.

The continued disruptions underscore deep political divisions within the state assembly over resource management and central-state coordination on mining policy. The standoff reflects broader tensions between the state government and the federally governing BJP over policies affecting Odisha's economic interests.