Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for a statewide bandh on Thursday, October 8, with the INDIA bloc opposition parties calling for a 12-hour shutdown over a range of political and governance-related issues.
Representational Image
The bandh was announced by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on behalf of the alliance. Congress and its allies, including the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD, are backing the agitation.
The opposition has appealed to people to support the shutdown and said the bandh would be observed peacefully across the State.
Why Has the Bandh Been Called?
The INDIA bloc has listed several demands behind the October 8 shutdown.
A key demand is the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Opposition parties have alleged that the amended law could undermine Odisha’s interests in its mineral resources and affect the State’s financial rights.
The alliance is also demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demand for Kumar’s resignation has become a major issue in the Opposition’s ongoing campaign.
Another major issue is the controversy over errors in school textbooks. The Opposition has sought accountability from the State Government and demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Transport Services May Be Hit
Normal movement of vehicles is expected to be affected in several parts of Odisha during the bandh.
Public and private transport services may face disruptions as supporters could stage road blockades and demonstrations at major junctions. Commuters travelling between cities and districts have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Railway services are not automatically covered by a bandh call, but road blockades and protests near transport hubs could affect access to railway stations.
Shops and Markets
Commercial establishments, markets and shops may remain closed in areas where traders and business associations extend support to the bandh.
The extent of disruption, however, is likely to vary from district to district depending on local participation.
Schools and Colleges
There is no indication in the material reviewed of a blanket statewide government order directing all schools and colleges to close for the bandh.
However, educational institutions may take local decisions depending on the situation in their respective areas. Students and parents should therefore check advisories issued by their individual institutions before travelling.
Essential Services Expected to Continue
Essential and emergency services are generally expected to remain operational during the bandh.
These include:
Hospitals and emergency medical services
Ambulances
Pharmacies
Fire and rescue services
Electricity and water supply
Other essential services
Authorities are expected to deploy additional security personnel at sensitive locations, including major roads, transport hubs and government establishments, to prevent violence, forced closures and disruption of essential services.
Government, Police on Alert
The bandh comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Odisha. The INDIA bloc had earlier staged protests over the MMDR amendment, SIR and textbook controversy, with tensions reported during demonstrations in Bhubaneswar.
The State administration is expected to closely monitor the situation and take steps to maintain law and order throughout the 12-hour shutdown.