Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Wednesday announced a statewide bandh and a seven-day economic blockade after Dussehra to protest the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2026.
The party said the dates and detailed programmes for both the bandh and the economic blockade would be announced later.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Pradesh Congress executive committee, which adopted seven resolutions on various issues. Party leaders also called for collective action under the slogan, “Not me, but us.”
The Congress demanded clarity over the provisions of the amended MMDR Act, proper management of Odisha’s mineral resources and the resignation of Minister Nityananda Ganda over the mining issue.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das alleged that both the incumbent BJP government and the previous BJD government were responsible for the alleged exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
He said the Congress would continue to hold both parties accountable for their respective roles in the mining-related issues.
The BJP in Odisha has not yet reacted to the Congress’ announcement.
