By The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed continued political protests on September 28, 2026, as opposition parties Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress demanded the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. The protests disrupted proceedings for the fifth consecutive day of the Monsoon Session.
What Happened in the Odisha Assembly?
The Assembly proceedings were disrupted shortly after the House convened on Monday. Opposition MLAs entered the well of the House, raised slogans and displayed placards opposing the amended mining law.
Speaker Surama Padhy initially adjourned the House until 11:30 AM. When proceedings resumed, protests continued, and the Speaker later adjourned the Assembly until 4 PM.
Why Are BJD and Congress Protesting?
The BJD and Congress have raised concerns about the financial impact of the amended mining legislation on Odisha.
Opposition leaders claim that the new law could result in substantial revenue losses for the state. They have demanded that the government oppose the amendment and seek its withdrawal.
These projected losses are claims made by the Opposition; the state’s actual financial impact has not yet been established.
What Is the Government’s Position?
Odisha’s ruling BJP government has not accepted the Opposition’s demand to withdraw the legislation.
Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena informed the Assembly that the government had not yet completed an assessment of whether the amended law would result in a financial gain or loss for Odisha.
The minister said the state’s interests would be protected.
Opposition Protest Outside the Assembly
The political dispute has also extended beyond the Assembly.
BJD legislators staged a walkout and joined a protest rally outside the Assembly, demanding repeal of the amended mining law. Congress members continued their protest inside the House.
The Opposition has also announced further demonstrations, keeping pressure on the state government over the legislation.
What Is the MMDR Amendment Act?
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act provides the legal framework for regulating mining activities in India.
The 2026 amendment has become a major political issue in Odisha because of concerns over how changes to mining rules and revenue arrangements may affect the state.
Odisha’s economy has significant links to mineral resources, making mining policy an important issue for the state government and Opposition.
What Happens Next?
The Assembly’s Monsoon Session is continuing amid repeated disruptions. The Opposition is demanding the withdrawal of the amendment, while the government says it will protect Odisha’s interests.
Further debate and protests are expected as the political disagreement continues.
Conclusion
The Odisha Legislative Assembly faced another day of disruption on September 28, as BJD and Congress legislators protested against the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. The Opposition is demanding its withdrawal over concerns about state revenue, while the government says the financial impact has not yet been assessed.
The dispute remains a major issue in Odisha politics, with protests continuing both inside and outside the Assembly.
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