States » EastPosted at: Sep 20 2026 7:33PM


Naveen urges CM Majhi to convene special session on MMDR amendment

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (UNI) BJD president and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Sunday urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special session of the Assembly and pass a unanimous resolution seeking repeal of the recently enacted amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
In an official letter to Majhi, Patnaik reiterated that the amendment would undermine the state’s constitutional power to levy taxes on mineral wealth and mineral-bearing lands, and called for a united stand to protect Odisha’s interests.
Recalling that the BJD government had fought for years in the High Court and Supreme Court to protect the state’s taxation powers, he pointed out that the present government also opposed the claims of mining companies before the apex court.
The Supreme Court’s nine-judge Constitution Bench had upheld Odisha’s position, paving the way for recovery of past dues and generating recurring revenue of nearly Rs 12,000 crore annually, he said.
Patnaik further said the subsequent MMDR amendment had effectively taken away the state’s constitutional right to levy such taxes and could result in significant financial losses to Odisha.
He also alleged that 20 BJP MPs from Odisha had supported the amendment in Parliament, saying their support was contrary to the state’s interests.
Majhi, being the Leader of the House, should convene a special session, Patnaik said, adding that the Assembly should adopt a unanimous resolution demanding repeal of the amendment and reaffirming the state’s constitutional rights.
“The BJD will always stand with you in matters relating to the rights of Odisha and the future of our youth,” Patnaik said, seeking a united effort to urge the Centre to reconsider the amendment.
UNI MK RSA
Tags: #Naveen urges CM Majhi to convene special session on MMDR amendment
More News

Odisha: OKCL holds influencer connect programme on AI, digital skills

20 Sep 2026 | 8:24 PM

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (UNI) Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) on Sunday organised a one-day Influencer Connect programme to build participants’ understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthen digital skills and promote collaboration among influencers and content creators.

see more..

Bengal Nursing homes under scanner: basements used for patients, registration details missing

20 Sep 2026 | 7:38 PM

Siliguri, Sep 20 (UNI) Patient safety, better treatment facilities and improved healthcare services have emerged as the primary focus of a surprise inspection of private nursing homes in Siliguri, with the Commission on Institutional Corruption in West Bengal identifying several shortcomings in infrastructure and patient amenities during visits since Saturday.

see more..

Mahanadi water dispute to be resolved soon, says Chhattisgarh CM

20 Sep 2026 | 7:35 PM

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday expressed hope that the long-standing Mahanadi water-sharing dispute with Odisha would be resolved soon in accordance with the Central Water Commission’s decision.

see more..

Naveen urges CM Majhi to convene special session on MMDR amendment

20 Sep 2026 | 7:33 PM

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (UNI) BJD president and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Sunday urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special session of the Assembly and pass a unanimous resolution seeking repeal of the recently enacted amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

see more..

CM calls for collective participation in building a prosperous Bihar

20 Sep 2026 | 7:25 PM

Patna, Sep 20 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday called for collective participation in the state's development, asserting that the Lav-Kush community seeks to move forward with justice and contribute to Bihar's prosperity and the country's growth.

see more..