Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das has announced a statewide “Odisha Bandh” for Oct 8, with full backing from INDIA bloc partners.
The shutdown targets the controversial central Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act 2026.
Opposition leaders argue the legislation centralises mineral sector oversight, stripping Odisha of crucial tax and cess regulatory powers.
Protesters warn the reform risks inflicting an estimated Rs 12,000 crore annual revenue loss on the state exchequer alongside leaving massive outstanding dues unresolved.
The Oct 8 bandh forms part of an escalating opposition campaign. The strategy includes public rallies, proposed economic blockades across key mining belts to halt mineral extraction and transport, and urgent demands for a special Odisha Assembly session to protect state resource rights.
