By Akshya Rout
Jajpur,08/09(PPT ): The Odisha Janata Congress (OJC) on Tuesday staged an economic blockade at Chandikhole in Jajpur district to protest the recently passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 (MMDR Act, 2026). The party alleged that the legislation curtails the State government’s financial powers and could result in substantial revenue losses for Odisha. Led by OJC president Mohammad Moquim, protesters blocked National Highway 16 at Chandikhole. Moquim alleged that the amendment effectively shifts control over mines and mineral-bearing lands from the State to the Union government. He claimed that Odisha could lose approximately ₹12,000 crore annually in mining-related revenue because of the erosion of the State’s fiscal resources, including taxes, royalties and cesses. Moquim also questioned the constitutional validity of the legislation, arguing that it was contrary to a recent nine-judge Bench judgment of the Supreme Court that recognised the States’ jurisdiction over mineral resources. He alleged that the State’s fiscal powers had been “hijacked” by the Centre to benefit corporate houses. The OJC president also expressed concern over the impact of the amendments on tribal communities living in mineral-rich areas. He warned that they could face threats to their traditional land rights, livelihoods and long-term economic security. Criticising Odisha’s elected representatives, Moquim questioned the role of the State’s 20 BJP MPs and lone Congress MP during the passage of the legislation in Parliament. He alleged that they had failed to adequately protect Odisha’s interests. Moquim said the Chandikhole blockade was the beginning of a sustained statewide campaign. He warned that the OJC would organise further economic blockades if the Centre did not withdraw the provisions that, according to the party, undermine Odisha’s fiscal powers. The MMDR amendments have triggered a political debate in Odisha over control of mineral resources and revenue sharing. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has also opposed the amendments, arguing that Odisha, as a major mineral-producing State, could suffer significant financial losses and a weakening of its fiscal position.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, has rejected the allegations, maintaining that Odisha’s financial interests remain protected. The party has said the State will continue to earn revenue through auction premiums, mineral royalties and other applicable levies. It has also argued that the amendments provide a level playing field and create an enabling regulatory framework for the mining and mineral-based industries. The OJC protest adds to the growing political confrontation in Odisha over resource control, mining policy and revenue sharing. Several OJC leaders addressed the gathering at Chandikhole, including party vice-president Pradip Pradhan, Giribala Behera, Mujibur Reheman Khan, Ranjita Rout, Nikunja Pasayat, Seva Sangathan chief Manoj Jena, media cell chief Prasant Satpathy, general secretary Sanjay Ray, Prasanna Bisoi, Suvendu Mallick, Mahila chief Sailabala Jena, Jajpur district president Bidyadhar Mohanty, Krushak chief Sangram Majhi, youth chief Aryaveer Lenka, secretary Dillip Rout and Somnath Rout.