In a swift political about-face, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday clarified that it will not support the 12-hour statewide shutdown called by the opposition INDIA Bloc on October 8.
The clarification came barely half an hour after BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik initially signalled the party’s backing for the strike, triggering intense speculation across Odisha’s political corridors.
A Rapid Political Shift
Earlier in the morning, following a high-level meeting at Naveen Niwas, Pramila Mallik briefly told reporters, “We will all support the bandh taking place tomorrow.” The declaration immediately fueled chatter that BJD was edging closer to the INDIA Bloc on key state and national issues.
However, Mallik convened a second press conference shortly after to set the record straight and retract her earlier statement.
“We will not support tomorrow’s bandh. Did those who called for the shutdown consult us before declaring it?” Mallik stated firmly. “We have supported issues like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and raised concerns regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, but BJD is not part of any coalition. We continue to maintain our policy of equal distance from all political blocs.”
Key Demands Behind the Odisha Bandh
The 12-hour shutdown—scheduled from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on October 8—was officially called on September 29 by the INDIA Bloc (led by Congress and ally parties) to press four major demands:
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Repeal of MMDR Amendment Act, 2026
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Resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
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Resignation of School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over textbook errors
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Immediate and adequate relief for flood-affected families across Odisha
Issue-Based Support, Distinct Political Identity
Despite backing away from the bandh, BJD has independently taken strong stances on several of the issues raised by the opposition. Party President Naveen Patnaik previously categorized the MMDR Amendment Act as harmful to Odisha’s regional interests, leading the party to organize massive public demonstrations against it. Furthermore, BJD leaders joined opposition marches in New Delhi regarding the SIR controversy.
Nevertheless, the party’s rapid clarification underscores its resolve to protect its independent identity and avoid formal alignment with the Congress-led INDIA Bloc.
