Party may move SC if Odisha assembly fails to oppose MMDR amendments: BJD

Hindustan TimesIndependentProgressive5 hr. ago

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pratap Jena warned that if the Odisha assembly does not oppose the recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), his party may take the issue to the Supreme Court. The 2026 MMDR Amendment Act restricts states' ability to tax mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, transferring more control to the central government. Jena emphasized that the issue affects Odisha's interests, citing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling affirming states' rights to tax mineral rights. The BJD, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has criticized the amendment as 'anti-Odisha,' accusing the center of undermining state autonomy over mineral resources. The party plans to push for legislative action within the assembly, engage with other mineral-rich states, and potentially challenge the law in court.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the MMDR amendment as a threat to state autonomy, particularly highlighting Odisha's interests and criticizing the central government's actions. The emphasis on legal challenges and the portrayal of the amendment as 'anti-Odisha' aligns with a left-leaning perspective that priorit

Deccan HeraldIndependentProgressive4 days ago

The article criticizes the Indian central government's imposition of a mineral tax, arguing that it undermines federalism by concentrating more power and revenue at the national level. The piece suggests that this move negatively impacts state governments' ability to manage their resources independently. It highlights concerns over the erosion of fiscal autonomy and the potential adverse effects on regional governance structures.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the central government's action as a 'grab,' implying a negative intent and suggesting that the policy benefits the center at the expense of states. This language reflects a left-leaning perspective that emphasizes decentralization and state rights.