The political temperature in Odisha’s capital soared on Monday as the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive state-level demonstration at Lower PMG (Gandhi Marg) to protest against the contentious MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2026.
Thousands of party workers, led by senior leaders, MLAs, and MPs, descended on the venue, turning the protest into a high-octane political show.
Party supremo and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, personally attended the demonstration to address the gathering. The atmosphere at the dharna site was electric, charged with traditional folk instruments, tribal dances, and the crowd spontaneously breaking out into the popular chant and song, “Hey Naveen Babu, We Are Your Fans”, as the former Chief Minister arrived.
However, the protest quickly escalated into tension as demonstrators attempted to push past police barricades. In response, security forces took swift action to maintain law and order. According to Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M, adequate security arrangements, including the deployment of 10 platoons of police force, were put in place. Over 100 protesters were picked up by police to contain the situation and later released after signing undertakings.
The massive turnout, drawing supporters from across the state, completely overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure. With vehicles spilling over onto major thoroughfares, severe traffic gridlock paralysed key routes including Gandhi Marg, Lower PMG, Janpath, Cuttack Road, and surrounding internal roads. Commuters were left stranded for hours, and traffic movement remained severely disrupted well into the afternoon.
