Political parties of the INDIA bloc in Odisha on Tuesday announced a statewide campaign culminating in a gherao of the Odisha Legislative Assembly on September 29 to protest the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. The coalition said the law threatens the State's control over mineral resources, land and forests and imperils the livelihood rights of tribal communities.
Coalition stance and demands
The convention — attended by leaders of the Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, All India Forward Bloc, Nationalist Congress Party, Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal — resolved to press for the repeal of the 2026 amendment and restoration of what they described as Odisha's constitutional and fiscal prerogatives over minerals.
The meeting was presided over by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das. Participants alleged the amendment links the State's taxation and revenue powers on mineral resources to central approval, representing a "serious assault on the State's fiscal autonomy", the CPI(M) state secretary Suresh Panigrahi said at the event.
"The historic Supreme Court judgment of 2024 recognised the constitutional rights of States in relation to mineral resources and their power to levy taxes on lands containing mineral resources,"
Speakers at the convention warned that mineral-rich States such as Odisha stand to lose substantial revenues — described in the meeting as running into lakhs of crores — if the Centre is empowered to limit recovery of previously uncollected taxes, cesses and arrears.
What the INDIA bloc is pressing for
- Repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026;
- Protection of the State's rights over mineral resources, land and forests;
- Safeguards for the livelihood, forest and land rights of tribal communities.
The convention reiterated the assertion that mineral resources of Odisha belong to the people of the State and must be managed in a manner that secures fiscal benefit and socio-environmental safeguards for local communities.
Parties taking part
Leaders and functionaries from the following parties participated in the convention:
| Party | Role in INDIA bloc |
|---|---|
| Congress | Constituent |
| CPI | Constituent |
| CPI(M) | Constituent |
| CPI(ML) Liberation | Constituent |
| All India Forward Bloc | Constituent |
| NCP | Constituent |
| Samajwadi Party | Constituent |
| Rashtriya Janata Dal | Constituent |
Officials' and legal context cited by speakers
Speakers repeatedly referenced the Supreme Court judgment of 2024, arguing it affirmed State authority over minerals and taxation on lands containing mineral deposits. They contended the 2026 amendment dilutes that judicial recognition by creating new central controls and restricting the States' ability to recover dues.
No government representative was present to respond at the convention. The INDIA bloc said it would pursue a campaign of public mobilisation across districts prior to the Assembly gherao.
Implications for the public and practical note
The INDIA bloc's call for statewide action signals possible large-scale demonstrations and processions in the run-up to September 29. Residents and commuters should be aware of potential local disruptions, particularly in hubs and near the Assembly precinct. Those planning travel to Bhubaneswar or other district headquarters on or close to the date may wish to keep alternatives in view and follow official advisories.
Given the sensitive nature of mineral governance for tribal communities and forest areas, the protest also highlights continuing tensions between resource extraction, state revenue interests and the rights of local populations. Any dialogue on the subject will need to balance fiscal considerations, environmental safeguards and statutory protections for scheduled areas and tribal land.
The INDIA bloc has framed the September 29 action as a test of both public sentiment in mineral-rich Odisha and the larger federal balance on resource governance. The coming weeks are likely to see further mobilisation by opposition parties and responses from the State and Central governments as the debate over the 2026 amendment intensifies.
