Bharat Bandh Begins In Odisha With Picketing, Road Blocks

Bhubaneswar: The 10-hour Bharat Bandh call given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) demanding the withdrawal of three controversial farm laws began in Odisha on Monday.

There were reports of picketing and roadblocks by the members of the farmer bodies and leaders of other parties including Congress and the Left parties at several places in the state.

In Bhubaneswar, the agitators staged a rail roko at the railway station and at the Master Canteen Square.

In Balasore, the agitators detained the Bangiriposi Express and detained vehicles on the main road of the town.

In Balangir, the agitators closed the Main Post Office and picketed at the railway station detaining the Ispat Express for about half an hour. All business and trading establishments remained closed.

Similar protests were also seen in Rourkela and Rayagada.

In view of the bandh call, the state government has decided not to ply the buses of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) from 6 am to 3 pm.

As announced by the SKM, all central and state government offices, markets, shops, factories, schools, colleges and other educational institutions, public and private transport will remain closed during the bandh.

However, emergency services including ambulances and fire services will be allowed to function.