Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted across several parts of Odisha on Thursday as the 12-hour Odisha Bandh called by the INDIA bloc over a series of political and public-interest issues evoked a strong response.
The bandh, observed from 6 am to 6 pm, was called to demand repeal of the MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2026, resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, and immediate assistance and compensation for people affected by recent floods.
The bandh affected road transport, shops, educational institutions and commercial establishments in several districts. Emergency services were kept outside the purview of the shutdown.
In Rourkela, Congress, CPI(M), CPI and other INDIA bloc constituents staged picketing at major intersections, including Bishra Chowk, Panposh Chowk, Ambedkar Chowk in Uditnagar, Ambagan Chowk, Chhend Chowk, Vedvyas and Sarnagar. Shops and markets remained closed, while vehicular movement, schools, colleges, government offices, petrol pumps and the Ama Bus service were affected.
The bandh brought normal activities in Rayagada district to a halt, with shops and markets remaining closed and vehicular movement severely affected. Government and private educational institutions also remained shut. Hundreds of INDIA bloc workers led by Rayagada MLA and district Congress president Appalaswamy Kadraka staged a sit-in on Kapilas Road.
In Gunupur, MLA Satyajit Gomango and CPI(ML) leader Tirupati Gomango led the shutdown, while in Bishamkatak, Congress MLA Nilamadhab Hikaka spearheaded the protest. The disruption left passengers facing considerable inconvenience.
The bandh had a major impact in Jaleswar, particularly at the Laxmannath toll plaza on the Odisha-West Bengal border. Congress, Left parties and various mass organisations blocked NH-16 from around 6 am, resulting in thousands of vehicles being stranded on both sides of the highway.
Protesters also blocked key roads at Badabazar Chowk, Station Chowk and Nampo Hat, affecting traffic on the main Jaleswar roads as well as the Jaleswar-Chandaneswar route.
Police personnel reached the protest sites and held discussions with the agitators. Adequate police deployment was made at different locations to maintain law and order.
The bandh also affected Bonai, where CPI(M), Congress and JMM workers assembled at Narendra Chowk and Rajamunda Bypass on NH-143 from 6 am. Bonai MLA Laxman Munda joined the protest at Rajamunda Bypass along with CPI(M) district secretary Pramod Samal and Congress leader Yudhishthir Tripathy.
Emergency services were exempted from the bandh.
Blockades hit traffic in Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, Congress workers and supporters 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.
The impact was also felt on the outskirts of the 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. The bandh also led to tension at Bhubaneswar railway station, where police personnel and protesters were involved in a scuffle after the protesters attempted to stage a rail roko.