Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted across Odisha on Thursday due to a statewide shutdown called by the INDIA bloc over a set of demands, including immediate withdrawal of the new mining law.
Workers and leaders of Congress and its partners staged protests, road blockades and demonstrations at several places across the state to enforce the dawn-to-dusk bandh affecting transportation and daily activities. Shops, markets and business establishments also remained closed during the 12-hour shutdown.
Raising slogans and holding placards, bandh supporters also staged protests and blocked highways at many places. The agitation caused traffic jams and inconvenience to commuters, especially in urban areas. At some railway stations, agitators have also stopped trains as part of the rail roko programme.
In Bhubaneswar, the protesters blocked roads at Master Canteen Square, Acharya Vihar, Vani Vihar and Jayadev Vihar Square, causing traffic congestion and leaving commuters stranded. The protests also affected movement near Hi-Tech Square, where a road blockade disrupted vehicular movement.
According to information, the impact was also felt on the outskirts of the state capital. At Pahala Square, protesters blocked the road on National Highway-16, bringing traffic movement to a standstill. Several vehicles were seen stuck on the highway as commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations.
Public transport was also affected by the bandh. At Baramunda bus stand, passengers were seen waiting for buses for long periods as bus services were disrupted.
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 may be noted that Congress and INDIA bloc partners organised the statewide bandh in support of their demands, including 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.
They are also demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged mistakes in school textbooks.
This apart, the protesters are also demanding the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
