Bhubaneswar: The 12-hour All India General Strike, jointly organised by over 10 central trade and farmers’ unions against the Centre’s policies, affected normal life across Odisha on Thursday.
The protest, which began from 6 am with support from Opposition Congress and BJD, saw strong participation, leading to widespread shutdowns in many districts.
According to sources, public transport, markets, educational institutions, and business establishments faced major disruptions, with roads blocked in areas like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Labour union members locked the ‘Ama Bus’ depot at Master Canteen here and held a protest at the entrance, halting bus operations from the facility. They also blocked the road at Master Canteen Square.
A groom heading to Khurda from Soro in Balasore found himself stranded at Jayadev Vihar amid the ongoing protest. The agitators eventually assured safe passage for his marriage procession. Numerous vehicles were also held up on the Jaydev Vihar stretch. Similar scenes unfolded on NH-16 as members of several trade unions stage a road blockade at the Jaydev Vihar flyover, demanding the withdrawal of the four newly-introduced labour codes.
Emergency vehicles, ambulances, milk tankers, LPG cylinder trucks, and other essential services were permitted to pass through.
Around 20 police platoons have been deployed in the state capital to maintain order amid protests. Security has been stepped up at the railway station and airport to prevent any inconvenience to passengers.
Bandh impact at other places
In Rourkela, protesters reportedly entered the railway station and disrupted train operations, inconveniencing passengers.
In Bonai, the bandh led by CPI(M) MLA Laxman Munda saw a strong impact in Rajamunda and Patsahi areas, with no vehicles on the national highway and markets shut. CPI(M) and CITU activists also obstructed railway tracks at Bimlagarh, impacting train movements.
At Balasore railway station, trade union members halted Bangiriposi-Puri Express. Demonstrations also took place in various areas of Balasore town. Protesters also allegedly entered the premises of a mall, which remained open, leading to chaos and a scuffle between both sides.
In Balangir, agitators locked the district head post office and shut down the morning vegetable market.
In Bhadrak, AICCTU members blocked NH-16 near College Chhak, bringing traffic to a standstill.
In Berhampur, labour unions staged a sit-in protest at the railway station. Several private schools and colleges in the city remained closed owing to the bandh.
The usually bustling Konark Bus Stand and Chandrabhaga Beach also wore a deserted look as bus stayed off the roads. Tourists visiting the Sun Temple were left disappointed as protesters, led by former Zilla Parishad member Rabindra Kumar Behera and labour leaders Manoranajan Parida, Sukanta Kumar Mohanty, and Bhaskar Seth, staged protest outside the UNESCO World Heritage site and blocked access to the ticket counters, the IOF Exhibition Centre, and the main gate. Banks, post offices, and other services remained closed, adding to the inconvenience.
The Bandh call
The Bharat Bandh call has been jointly given by over ten major central trade unions, including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, and others, with support from farmers’ groups such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). Union leaders estimate that up to 30 crore workers across India could participate, protesting against the four new labour codes, alleged anti-worker and pro-corporate policies, changes to rural employment guarantees like MGNREGA, and other economic measures.
Odisha Govt Issues Alert
On Wednesday, the Odisha government directed all district collectors, magistrates, and police officials to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to maintain law and order during the strike. The advisory, marked for urgent action, emphasised precautionary steps to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the smooth functioning of central and State government offices in the state. Essential services are to be kept under close watch.
While security was tightened at Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan, and the Heads of Department Building, employees working in these establishments were instructed to report to their offices by 9.30 am. The communique issued by Home Department said that the front gate of the Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 10.15 am on Thursday and all the passage will be regulated through the rear gate.
