The Navnirman Krushak Sangathan observed an eight-hour Odisha bandh today from 6 am to 2 pm, demanding reforms in paddy procurement, protesting against excessive fines on vehicle pollution certificates, and opposing Tata Power’s alleged arbitrary practices.
The bandh received support from Congress, Left parties, and several social organisations. BJD welcomed the concerns but did not extend formal backing. The impact varied across districts.
In Jajpur, the bandh had a limited effect. Shops and markets remained open, while two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and auto-rickshaws moved normally. Train, bus, and truck services were disrupted, though government offices functioned with minor protests at entry points.
In Jagatsinghpur, shops, banks, petrol pumps, and establishments stayed closed, affecting daily life. However, Paradip saw little impact. Police deployed heavy security across the district.
In Koraput’s Baipariguda, the bandh halted traffic on NH-326, disrupting connectivity to Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Trucks and buses remained stranded, and shops stayed shut.
In Gajapati, farmers blocked roads near Paralakhemundi by burning tyres and placing paddy sacks, raising slogans against government policies.
In Bhadrak, railway stations, bus stands, schools, colleges, and businesses closed completely.
In Rourkela, the bandh had minimal impact. Shops remained open, vehicles moved freely, and only limited picketing was reported.
In Jharsuguda, shops reopened by 9 am, and traffic remained normal, though some buses stayed off the roads.
The bandh also saw protests in Bhubaneswar’s Uttara Chhak, where tyres were burnt to block roads, and in Subarnapur’s Binika, where Congress workers joined picketing.
The farmers’ body demanded MSP plus input subsidy at Rs 3,100 per quintal of paddy, timely payment post-procurement, resolution of token issues, and strict action against corrupt officials. Emergency services were exempted from the bandh.
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