Odisha govt rejects Opposition demand for special Assembly session on mining Bill
Congress alleged that the Centre was seeking control over Odisha’s natural resources, including its water, forests, land and minerals, after coming to power in the State, in the name of ‘Odia Asmita’ (Odia pride).
The Odisha government has declined the opposition's call for a special Assembly session to address the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill recently approved by Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated on August 23, 2026 that a special session is unnecessary as the matter could be debated during the upcoming monsoon session.
The opposition BJD and Congress demanded a special session, arguing the bill is anti-Odisha and detrimental to the state's interests. They wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and requested an all-party meeting on the issue. The Congress accused the BJP government of rejecting their demand for a special session, warning of significant revenue losses and arrears for the state.
Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja claimed the Centre intends to assert control over Odisha's natural resources, including water, forests, land, and minerals. The BJD accused BJP lawmakers of betraying Odisha's interests by supporting the mining law amendments. They claimed the bill was passed without debate in Parliament, potentially causing substantial financial losses to the state.
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