Bhubaneswar: The eight-hour Odisha bandh called by Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) on Wednesday saw a mixed response, with the state government describing it a “flop show”.
The bandh, which was held between 6 am and 2 pm, witnessed normal train operations, but road transport was partially disrupted as protesters blocked roads in various districts. Protesters were seen burning motor tyres on the roads, and many passengers were stranded at bus terminals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Shops, business establishments, and educational institutions remained closed in several places across the state, but offices functioned with tight security. The strike received support from the opposition Congress and CPI(M), while Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appreciated NNKS for observing the shutdown to safeguard farmers’ interests.
NNKS convenor Akshay Kumar stated that the bandh was peaceful and essential services were kept out of its purview. However, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra described the bandh as a “flop show”, claiming that farmers didn’t participate in the strike. Patra asserted that paddy procurement was going smoothly, with over Rs 8,000 crore credited to farmers’ bank accounts.
“We had been expecting that the bandh could make some impact as it got support of the Congress and Left parties. But, it failed as farmers stood by the government”, Patra said.
Rejecting the opposition parties’ allegation of “gross mismanagement” in paddy procurement, he asserted that farmers in Odisha are happy as they get Rs 3,100 per quintal of paddy at state-run mandis as promised by the BJP during elections.
Protesters alleged that farmers weren’t getting Rs 3,100 per quintal of paddy at official mandis and demanded the government stop middlemen and millers’ intervention. The bandh saw disruptions in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other districts, with additional police forces deployed to maintain law and order.
