Bhubaneswar: A 12-hour nationwide strike called by 10 trade unions has had a significant impact on Odisha, with protests and demonstrations erupting across the state.
The strike, supported by Congress and Biju Shramik Samukhya, has led to disruptions in vehicular disruptions across the state.
Protests and demonstrations were held across various districts, with roads blocked and markets closed, bringing daily life to a standstill. The bandh’s impact was felt in several areas, with rail service getting affected as labour union members took to the railway stations in some places.
In Balasore, trade union members blocked the Bangiriposi-Puri Express, while agitators took to the streets in different parts of the town.
Balangir saw protesters locking the district head post office and shutting down the morning vegetable market. In Bhadrak, AICCTU members blocked NH-16, halting traffic, while Berhampur witnessed a sit-in at the railway station and closure of private educational institutions.
Besides, Paradip port saw workers demonstrating at Gate No. 3, and protests were also held in other areas, including Rangia Garh Bridge and Kujang market.
In Sambalpur, NH-55 was blocked at Ainthapali Chhak, and shops and markets were shut in various parts of the city.
In the state capital, Bhubaneswar, protesters targeted the ‘Ama Bus’ depot at Master Canteen, locking the gates and halting bus services. A demonstration was also staged at the depot’s entrance causing inconvenience to commuters.
The protests also affected NH-16, with demonstrators blocking the highway at the Jaydev Vihar flyover. The blockade resulted in a massive traffic jam, with hundreds of vehicles stranded on either side of the road.
Besides, the strike has brought the city to a standstill, with roads deserted and traffic at a halt. Due to the protest, schools, colleges, banks, petrol pumps, and public transport services are disrupted across the state.
Labour union workers are protesting on the streets, demanding changes to labour laws, withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations on Minimum Support Price (MSP) among other demands.
The strike is being supported by various organizations, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU, TUCC, SEWA, LPF, United Farmers’ Front, All India Bank Employees’ Association, All India Bank Officers’ Association, and Indian Bank Employees’ Federation.
