Bhubaneswar, Oct 8: Normal life was disrupted across Odisha on Thursday as the Congress-led INDIA bloc observed a statewide bandh over a set of demands, with road blockades, demonstrations and a rail roko programme reported from several parts of the state.
Members of the Congress and its alliance partners staged protests at various locations, blocking roads and highways and raising slogans against the government. The agitation affected vehicular movement and resulted in traffic congestion in several major cities and towns, causing inconvenience to commuters.
In some places, protesters also staged demonstrations at railway stations and stopped trains as part of the rail roko programme. The disruptions prompted commuters and passengers to face delays as agitators intensified their protests during the bandh.
However, essential and emergency services were kept outside the purview of the shutdown. Ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, pharmacies and vehicles engaged in milk supply were exempted from the bandh. Protesters were also instructed not to obstruct medical services, emergency operations or other essential services.
The statewide shutdown was organised by the Congress to mount pressure on the government over three major demands.
The first demand concerns the withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. The Congress has claimed that the amended mining law could affect Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources and have implications for the state’s financial interests.
The second demand is the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged errors in school textbooks. The Congress has sought accountability over the reported mistakes.
The third demand relates to the Election Commission. The Congress and its allies have demanded the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The bandh led to heightened political activity across Odisha, with protests continuing at several locations during the day.
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