India, Aug. 14 -- Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has expressed concern over the passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Parliament recently.

"This legislative measure poses a serious threat to Odisha's fiscal autonomy and constitutional rights over its natural resources," said Patnaik in a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday.

According to Patnaik, a five-time former Chief Minister, the MMDR Amendment Bill has the provisions to expand the Union Government's control over the mineral-bearing lands of Odisha and other states and regulate their mines.

Besides, the Bill prohibits Odisha and other states from levying any tax, cess or similar ...