A dawn-to-afternoon bandh brought Salepur to a standstill on Tuesday, following its exclusion from the Odisha government’s latest Notified Area Council (NAC) list.
The protest, spearheaded by BJD MLA Prasanta Behera, saw widespread participation from party workers and local residents, who blocked the Cuttack–Chandbali highway at Kuapal Chhak.
Shops, schools, and markets remained shut as demonstrators demanded NAC status for the town, citing its growing population and urban sprawl. “This is a betrayal of Salepur’s long-standing demand,” said Behera, referencing the town’s decades-old push for NAC recognition.
The BJP, however, dismissed the bandh as a “political stunt.” State BJP Kisan Morcha Secretary Satyabadi Chaini stated, “Only 12 NACs have been announced out of 21. Salepur will be included in the next phase. The BJD is merely seeking attention.”
The Housing and Urban Development Department recently notified NACs in seven districts, including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Sambalpur. The move is part of a broader plan to enhance governance in rapidly urbanising regions.
