BJD demands special assembly session over MMDR amendment act

Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik has written to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi demanding a special session of the Odisha assembly to address the Mineral and Mining Development Regulation (MMDR) amendment act.

In his letter, the former CM said the amendment effectively strips Odisha of its constitutional right to levy taxes on its mineral wealth. Patnaik argued that the move undermines the state's financial autonomy and resource management.

The BJD has intensified pressure on the BJP-led state government over the issue, seeking legislative action to reverse or reconsider the amendment's impact on Odisha's mining revenue.