Jamshedpur, August 31, 2026: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has stepped up its village-level campaign against the MMDR Amendment Bill, with Potka MLA Sanjeev Sardar meeting residents of Udal village on Monday to explain the party’s concerns over the proposed changes.
The outreach was organised following directions from the JMM central committee. Sardar urged villagers to remain aware of their rights and the state’s natural resources and said the party would continue taking the issue to villages, hamlets and localities across Potka.
JMM raises concerns over mineral revenue
Addressing villagers, Sardar said Jharkhand’s mineral resources are an important source of revenue for the state and argued that any change affecting the state’s rights over these resources could have implications for development.
He appealed to residents to understand the provisions of the proposed legislation and raise their concerns through democratic means.
Sardar also referred to the state’s claim regarding around ₹1.36 lakh crore in pending dues from the Centre. He argued that any reduction in revenue from mineral resources could put additional pressure on the state’s finances.
These were claims and concerns raised by the JMM during the campaign; the source material does not contain a response from the Centre or details of the Union government’s position on these allegations.
MLA links revenue concerns to welfare schemes
Sardar said adequate state revenue is important for implementing and expanding schemes and services, including Maiya Samman Yojana, Abua Awas Yojana, social security pensions, scholarships, education, healthcare, roads, drinking water and rural development programmes.
He claimed that a reduction in the state’s revenue resources could affect the implementation and expansion of such programmes.
JMM says campaign will continue
The MLA also criticised the Centre over rising prices of petrol, diesel, food items and other daily necessities, arguing that any additional pressure on state finances could increase the economic burden on ordinary people.
Sardar alleged that attempts were being made to weaken Jharkhand politically and economically and said the state would not accept any move that, in the party’s view, affects its economic and natural-resource rights.
He said the immediate focus was on public awareness, with JMM workers expected to continue visiting villages and explaining the party’s position on the MMDR Amendment Bill.
Sardar further said that if required, people could take the issue to the streets through democratic means.
