Bhubaneswar: Normal life came to a standstill in Malkangiri district today as the District unit of the Indian National Congress observed a 12-hour bandh from morning till evening, pressing for immediate resolution of the severe LPG cooking gas crisis and the ongoing paddy procurement mess affecting thousands of farmers.
The bandh, which began early today, brought vehicular movement to a complete halt across the district. Markets, educational institutions, and government offices remained largely closed, while Congress workers and leaders actively picketed at major junctions and roads, appealing to the public to extend full support to the protest.
Due to the lingering impact of global factors and supply disruptions, the shortage of LPG cylinders has badly affected both rural and urban households. Villagers are reportedly not receiving regular refills, while people in Malkangiri town are forced to stand in long queues for hours. Even hotels and eateries are struggling with “burning stoves” as gas supply remains erratic, adding to the daily hardship of ordinary citizens.
The situation for farmers is equally grim. For the past two months, thousands of quintals of harvested paddy have been lying unsold in various procurement markets (mandis) of the district. Farmers were issued tokens, yet the government agencies have failed to lift the stocks despite repeated requests. Unseasonal rains have worsened the crisis — paddy heaps are getting drenched and starting to rot in the open, causing huge financial losses to already distressed farmers.
The administration’s inaction has pushed the farming community to the brink, turning their protest into a major political issue. Congress leaders strongly criticised the state government for its “failure” on both fronts. They alleged that the BJP-led administration has shown complete neglect towards the basic needs of the people of Malkangiri — one of the most backward and tribal-dominated districts in Odisha.
“From the kitchen of the common man to the fields of the farmer, people are suffering badly. The LPG crisis and the paddy procurement delay have become unbearable. Today’s bandh is a strong message to the government to wake up and act immediately,” said local Congress leaders while addressing the protesters.
Congress workers were seen staging demonstrations at multiple locations, holding placards and raising slogans demanding immediate and regular supply of LPG cylinders, urgent lifting of all pending paddy stocks before further damage, proper compensation or support for any spoiled paddy, expedited procurement process in all mandis
The bandh remained largely peaceful, with no major untoward incidents reported so far. However, emergency services and essential movements were reportedly allowed by the protesters.
