Bhubaneshwar, Aug. 29 -- The Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has written to BJP MPs from Odisha, urging them to push for a reversal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling its passage "a black day for Odisha".

In the letter, Patnaik emphasised the MPs' responsibility to the state, criticising the manner in which the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 13.

"Our Parliament is the highest temple of Indian democracy. As a member of Parliament, you are the voice of Odisha in this highest forum of democracy. The people of Odisha elected you in good faith to protect and further their interests," he wrote.

"The Bill wa...