Bhubaneswar: Normal life was hit in Odisha on Thursday due to a statewide shutdown called by the INDIA bloc over a set of demands. The bandh led to road blockades and demonstrations at several places, affecting vehicular movement.
According to reports, members of the Congress and its alliance partners are staging protests across the state, blocking highways and holding agitations. The stir has caused traffic jams and inconvenience to commuters, especially in major cities and towns. At some railway stations, agitators have also stopped trains as part of the rail roko programme.
However, essential emergency services such as ambulance and fire brigade, pharmacies and milk supply vehicles have been exempted from the purview of the bandh.
The protesters have been instructed not to cause any disruption to medical services, emergency operations and other essential services.
It is pertinent to mention that the Congress organized the statewide bandh to mount pressure on the government to fulfil mainly over three demands. First, it is seeking withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, claiming that the revised mining law will impact Odisha’s rights over its mineral resources and its financial interests. Second, it is demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged mistakes in school textbooks. Third, it has demanded the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
