Bhubaneswar, Aug. 29 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday hit back at Odisha Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik over his opposition to the recently passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, questioning why the former Chief Minister was "hesitating to reveal the truth" about the legislation.

Pradhan's remarks came in response to a letter written by Patnaik to BJD MPs from Odisha, urging them to challenge the newly passed MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026, and demand its withdrawal.

In a post on X, Pradhan said he was surprised by Patnaik's letter and questioned whether the people of Odisha were being misled over the legislation.

"After reading t...