Odisha Janata Congress Stages Economic Blockade At Chandikhole Over MMDR Amendments
Declaring the Chandikhole blockade as the beginning of a statewide campaign, Moquim warned of similar protests unless the Union government withdrew the provisions
Bhubaneswar: The newly formed Odisha Janata Congress (OJC) on Tuesday staged an economic blockade at Chandikhole in Jajpur district protesting the recently passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 (MMDR Act, 2026). The party alleged that the legislation curtailed the financial powers of the state government and would cause substantial revenue losses to Odisha.
The protest was led by OJC president Mohammad Moquim, who claimed the amendment had stripped the state of its authority over mines and mineral-bearing lands, strengthening the Union government’s control. Addressing a large gathering before blocking National Highway 16, Moquim said Odisha could lose nearly Rs 12,000 crore in mining revenue annually. He argued that the state, which had so far derived income through taxes, royalties and cess, would face erosion of fiscal resources under the new framework.
Moquim also questioned the constitutional validity of the amendment, citing a recent nine-judge Supreme Court judgment that recognised state powers over mines and mineral-bearing lands. “The fiscal powers of the state government have been hijacked by the Centre,” he alleged, warning that tribal communities in mineral-rich areas could lose traditional control over their land, jeopardising livelihoods. He further accused the Centre of designing the amendments to benefit corporate houses and criticised Odisha’s 20 BJP MPs and the lone Congress MP for their “silence” during the passage of the legislation.
Declaring the Chandikhole blockade as the beginning of a statewide campaign, Moquim warned of similar protests unless the Union government withdrew the provisions. OJC 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 also addressed the gathering.
The MMDR amendment has already become a major political issue in Odisha. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has strongly opposed the changes, arguing that Odisha, one of India’s largest mineral-producing states, stands to suffer heavy revenue losses and weakened financial autonomy.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, rejected these claims, maintaining that Odisha’s financial interests remain protected. It argued that the state would continue to receive revenue through auction premiums, royalties and other levies, while the amendments aim to create a level playing field for industries and strengthen the mining sector.
