BJD Alleges MMDR Amendment Act Undermines Odisha’s Economic Interests
Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the MMDR Amendment Act, alleging that the legislation has compromised Odisha’s economic interests and weakened the state’s financial autonomy.
Addressing a press conference at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar, senior general secretary and MLA Gautam Buddha Das and party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty described the passage of the amendment as a “black day” for Odisha.
Das alleged that the BJP’s top leadership had introduced the amendment as part of a “conspiracy” to undermine Odisha’s interests and benefit industrialists. He claimed that the state had been deprived of the right to recover outstanding dues exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore following the passage of the legislation.
He further alleged that Odisha could lose around Rs 12,000 crore annually in revenue from taxes imposed on mining operations.
Das said BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik had already announced that he would lead the party’s fight to safeguard the state’s interests. He added that the BJD would continue its agitation against the legislation.
Mohanty said mining revenue had historically been a key pillar of Odisha’s economic development and alleged that the state’s rightful share from its mineral resources was now being adversely affected by the amendment.
He questioned Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s silence on the issue and demanded that the Chief Minister explain to the people how the amended legislation would protect Odisha’s interests.
Mohanty also alleged that the Centre had introduced provisions under which the state would have limited rights over mines and the land on which they are located.
Questioning claims by BJP leaders that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies had contributed to the growth of Odisha’s mining revenue, Mohanty asked why states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan had not witnessed a similar increase following the 2015 MMDR amendment.
“The Chief Minister must give an explanation to the people of Odisha on this issue,” Mohanty said, reiterating that the BJD would continue its fight against what it termed an injustice to the state.
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