Following a 12-hour statewide shutdown on October 8, 2026, leaders of the opposition INDIA Bloc issued a joint statement today expressing their deepest gratitude to the people of Odisha for their overwhelming and peaceful support of the Odisha Bandh.
The shutdown, which ran from 6 AM to 6 PM across the state, was called to protest against key economic, electoral, and regional issues affecting Odisha. Alliance leaders stated that the public’s spontaneous participation highlighted growing discontent with both the Central and State governments.
Key Demands Behind the Statewide Movement
-
Restoration of State Mining Revenues: The alliance strongly opposed the recent MMDR Amendment Act 2026, arguing that it undermines a crucial Supreme Court ruling from July 25, 2024. That ruling empowered mineral-rich states to collect arrears—which for Odisha amounts to over Rs 1.10 lakh crore, alongside an estimated annual revenue exceeding Rs 15,000 crore. Opposition leaders accused the Central government of stripping Odisha of its financial rights and land ownership authority over mining regions.
-
Electoral Integrity and CEC Dismissal: Coalition leaders condemned the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, alleging misuse of the Special Summary Revision process that resulted in the removal of over 13 crore voters nationwide. Calling the action unconstitutional, the INDIA Bloc formally demanded his immediate removal from office.
-
School Education Reforms: The alliance called for the immediate dismissal of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, alleging severe mismanagement in textbook publishing and educational policies that harm the state’s youth.
-
Adequate Flood Relief: The coalition criticised the State government’s handling of recent natural disasters, citing a lack of proper compensation and assistance for flood-affected families across Odisha.
Opposition Vows to Continue the Fight
Addressing the press, coalition leaders condemned the arrest of peaceful demonstrators during the shutdown, attributing the police action to the ruling party’s unease over widespread public support.
“This peaceful movement was a direct reflection of the public’s resolve to safeguard Odisha’s resources, constitutional rights, and future generations. The agitation will continue to expand until every demand is rightfully addressed,” the alliance asserted in their joint declaration.
The joint statement was endorsed by senior leaders across member parties, including Santosh Singh Saluja, Debasish Patnaik, and Aravind Das (Indian National Congress); Dr. Prasant Kumar Mishra and Jayanta Das (CPI); Badri Narayan Dash (CPI-M); Yudhisthira Mahapatra and Radhakanta Sethi (CPI-ML Liberation); Jyoti Ranjan Mahapatra and Benudhar Harichandan (AIFB); Ramakanta Hati (Samajwadi Party); Bikram Swain (NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar); and Hemanta Kumar (RJD).
The leadership concluded by appealing for continued cooperation from the citizens of Odisha as they prepare for the next phase of their movement.
