Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) claimed that the statewide bandh called by the party and its INDI Alliance partners was successful with overwhelming support from the people.
Describing the 12-hour shutdown as a complete success, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das claimed that the bandh’s impact was felt across several districts and block headquarters.
Speaking to reporters during the protest in Bhubaneswar, the OPCC chief said the bandh received public support as people across the state are fully aware of the issues being raised by the Congress.
The INDIA bloc observed the dawn-do-dusk shutdown in Odisha demanding withdrawal of MMDR Amendment Act, resignation of state School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over school textbook errors and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kuamr over alleged irregularities in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
“I thank the people of Odisha for their cooperation and support for our bandh call today. This Bandh is a democratic protest against attempts to undermine our democratic rights and exploit Odisha’s resources. Gyanesh Kumar must resign and the MMDR Act must be withdrawn,” said Bhakta Das.
The Congress would intensify its agitation in the coming days, including protests and demonstrations, and would gherao ministers over its demands, he said.
The PCC chief also criticised Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for refusing to participate in the bandh. The BJD had initially indicated support in its organisational communication but changed its position at the last moment, Das claimed, adding that had the BJD participated directly, the bandh could have been stronger.
The bandh evoked overwhelming response from districts, panchayat areas and block headquarters as the message has reached rural areas, he said, adding that the protest remained peaceful without any untoward incident.
On the other hand, the ruling BJP rejected the Congress’s claim that the shutdown was successful.
Describing the bandh as ineffective, BJP MP Rabindra Behera alleged that Congress workers were forcing people to participate in the bandh at some places. He also accused Congress workers of disrupting public life by using force.
The BJP also said State revenue has increased after the BJP-led ‘double engine’ government came to power in Odisha, claiming that people understand the situation and therefore did not support the bandh on a large scale.
