The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Monday called for a “fearless” and united fight against the Centre over the amended mining law, alleging that the legislation restricts the powers of states to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land parcels.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said the Congress would continue its opposition to what he described as an “anti-Odisha” law and asserted that the party would work to ensure its repeal.
Responding to a question on the possibility of a joint agitation with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Das said all opposition parties need to set aside their differences and “remove fear” to fight the issue together.
“First of all, the BJD should take this issue seriously,” Das said, alleging that the regional party had so far confined its protests to press conferences and letters.
Das said the Congress has already organised demonstrations along with constituents of the INDIA bloc and is preparing for further programmes, including economic blockades and an Odisha bandh.
The Congress has maintained that the amended mining law could adversely affect Odisha's financial interests by limiting the state's ability to raise revenue from its mineral resources.
The party has urged political parties across the state to come together against the legislation and mount sustained pressure on the Centre.
The Congress leadership said its agitation would be intensified in the coming days as part of its campaign demanding withdrawal of the amended provisions.
