---
title: "BJD Under Fire for Opposing Key Provisions of MMDR Act; Critics Slam Party for Blocking Mining Sector Reforms"
url: https://mediathepower.com/bjd-under-fire-for-opposing-key-provisions-of-mmdr-act-critics-slam-party-for-blocking-mining-sector-reforms/
date: 2026-09-15
modified: 2026-09-23
lang: en
author: "Rajiv Singh"
description: "JHARSUGUDA: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is facing severe criticism from political opponents and industry experts following its opposition to crucial amendments in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)..."
categories:
  - "News"
image: https://mediathepower.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/mmdr.jpg
word_count: 347
---

# BJD Under Fire for Opposing Key Provisions of MMDR Act; Critics Slam Party for Blocking Mining Sector Reforms

**JHARSUGUDA:** The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is facing severe criticism from political opponents and industry experts following its opposition to crucial amendments in the **Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act)**. Critics allege that the regional party's stance protects the interests of incumbent mining companies at the expense of national revenue, local communities, and the broader development of Odisha’s resource-rich economy.

![](https://mediathepower.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bimal.jpg)

**Bimalendu Bhol** BJP President Jharsuguda state that the Centre's amendments aim to transform the mining sector into a more transparent, auction-based system. Critics view the BJD's opposition as a direct attempt to delay these transparency-enhancing reforms, thereby maintaining the dominance of established leaseholders.

![](https://mediathepower.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/tapan-swain.jpg)

**Tapan Swain** BJP president Brajrajnagar claim that the BJD's resistance—coupled with its misleading narrative regarding the potential closure of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) under this law—slows down the effective utilization of crucial funds. (Note: DMF is a mandatory contribution made from mining profits, distinct from regular corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure). Because these funds are vital for the development and rehabilitation of tribal populations and communities affected by mining, critics have labeled the party's policy as "anti-people" and "pro-corporate."

![](https://mediathepower.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/asish.jpg)

**Asish tiwari **argue that a proper implementation of the updated MMDR framework could generate significantly higher revenue through competitive bidding. By obstructing these legal changes, the party stands accused of stifling financial growth that could have otherwise funded state-level infrastructure and welfare projects.

![](https://mediathepower.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ashok.jpg)

The BJD’s ongoing resistance to the evolving MMDR guidelines shows they are more concerned with maintaining an opaque status quo than embracing fair competition that benefits the common citizens of Odisha," **Ashok Pradhan** added.and he stated To illustrate the situation, I would like to mention that the Vedanta plant in our district's Lakhanpur area is set to commence operations on a coal block. The company has stated that the tax payable in the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh is approximately one-tenth of what is charged in Odisha. Consequently, they have requested a reduction in taxes within Odisha as well, so that production costs can be lowered and finished goods made available to the public at a more affordable price.