CM Hemant Soren Warns of Major Agitation Over Mineral Amendment Bill

RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday warned that the state would launch a major agitation against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, if the Centre failed to withdraw the legislation.

Questioning the Centre’s authority over Jharkhand’s mineral resources, Soren said, “The minerals belong to Jharkhand and the land belongs to Jharkhand—then why should Delhi decide our rights and entitlements?”

Soren alleged that the Centre had hurriedly passed the amendment in both Houses of Parliament and described it as an injustice to Jharkhand and its people. He said the legislation would severely affect the state’s development and future.

According to Soren, the amendment could adversely impact several social security and welfare schemes benefiting millions of people in Jharkhand, including the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, Abua Awas Yojana, pensions, education and healthcare programmes.

“The JMM strongly opposes this black bill. If the Centre does not withdraw it, Jharkhand will launch such a major movement that the entire country will witness it,” Soren said.

He said the opposition would be intensified across the state, with protests planned in every district, block, panchayat and city. Soren further warned that if the Centre failed to reconsider the legislation and restore what he described as Jharkhand’s rightful rights and entitlements, the state would not hesitate to take “decisive and historic” steps.

The Chief Minister’s statement signals an intensification of the political battle between the Jharkhand government and the Centre over control of mineral resources and the financial rights of mineral-rich states.