Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Friday demanded a special session of the Assembly to voice dissent against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by Parliament on Thursday. Mr. Patnaik said the Bill usurps Odisha’s fiscal autonomy and termed it a “threat” to the State’s constitutional rights over its resources.

Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Friday demanded a special session of the Assembly to voice dissent against the Mines and Minerals…

Odisha's BJD party is planning legal action and public demonstrations against the recently passed Mines and Minerals (Amendment) Bill, which they argue will severely impact the…