BJD calls Sept 28 protest against MMDR amendments, Naveen to lead protest

Bhubaneswar, Sep 24 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday announced a mass protest at Lower PMG here on September 28 against the Centre's amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), alleging that the changes undermine states' rights over mineral resources and could cost Odisha substantial revenue. BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will join the protest, party leaders said at a press conference at Sankha Bhawan. The party alleged that the amendments had curtailed the states' powers over mines and mineral-bearing land and adversely affected Odisha's financial interests. It claimed that the…