Mining Reforms / Dharmendra Pradhan Rebuts Naveen Patnaik Over MMDR Bill 2026

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday strongly countered former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s criticism of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling the BJD’s claims “misleading propaganda” aimed at confusing the people of Odisha.

ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ପୂର୍ବତନ ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ତଥା ବିରୋଧୀ ଦଳ ନେତା @Naveen_Odisha ଭିଡିଓ ଜାରି କରି MMDR Amendment Bill-2026 କୁ ନେଇ ଓଡ଼ିଶାବାସୀଙ୍କୁ ଭ୍ରମିତ କରିବାକୁ ଚେଷ୍ଟା କରୁଛନ୍ତି । ମୋଦୀ ସରକାର ଆଣିଥିବା ଏହି ନୂଆ ବିଲ୍ ଦେଶର ଖଣି ସୁରକ୍ଷା ଏବଂ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଆର୍ଥିକ ଭବିଷ୍ୟତ ପାଇଁ ଐତିହାସିକ ପଦକ୍ଷେପ । ଏହି ବିଲ୍ ଦ୍ୱାରା… pic.twitter.com/nJSCGRlrem

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 20, 2026

In a video message on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Patnaik alleged that the Centre was depriving Odisha of its rightful share in mining revenues under the new legislation. Responding with a detailed statement, Pradhan asserted that the Bill is a historic step for mining security and the economic future of mineral-rich states like Odisha.

Mining Revenues and Transparency

Pradhan highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reforms, Odisha’s mining revenue has risen tenfold—from Rs5,000 crore during the BJD’s tenure to nearly Rs50,000 crore today. He credited transparent auction processes, higher ad valorem royalty rates, and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) mechanism for this surge. Odisha alone has received Rs37,000 crore through DMF, he said, underscoring that these gains were possible only due to Modi government’s policies.

The MP accused the previous BJD government of distributing mines at “throwaway prices” to select families and companies, limiting state revenues. “Politics has its place, but hiding the truth and misleading the people of Odisha is unacceptable,” Pradhan said.

Debt Burden Under BJD

Pradhan contrasted Odisha’s debt position under BJD rule. In 2000, the state’s total debt stood at Rs18,000 crore, with a per capita debt of Rs6,000. By 2024, when Patnaik left office, the debt had crossed Rs96,000 crore, with per capita debt rising to Rs26,000. He questioned whether this reflected economic reform or fiscal mismanagement.

Safeguarding Industry and Jobs

Pradhan explained that the Bill sets a clear ceiling on multi-level taxation under Section 9D, preventing excessive levies that could cripple industries. He warned that arbitrary taxes of 70–80% would have pushed iron, coal, and cement prices sky-high, hurting supply chains and infrastructure growth. By rationalising taxes, the Bill ensures affordability for ordinary families and protects jobs in mining belts such as Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Angul, and Jajpur.

Pradhan argued that the legislation secures the livelihoods of lakhs of youth employed in mining and allied industries, while safeguarding Odisha’s long-term economic interests.
Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Thanks PM Modi, Vaishnaw for Rs9,450-Cr Rail Projects In Odisha

Call for Honest Debate

Rejecting Patnaik’s claims that Odisha’s rights were being curtailed, Pradhan clarified that 100% of auction premiums, royalties, and DMF contributions will continue to flow directly into the state exchequer. He urged the opposition to present facts rather than “crocodile tears” over a mining tax law they themselves introduced in 2004 but failed to defend after it was struck down by the courts.

“Before questioning PM Modi’s commitment to Odisha, Naveen babu should look at his own 24-year report card,” Pradhan said, adding that the new Bill represents reform, transparency, and fairness for both states and citizens.