Normal life across Odisha was disrupted on Wednesday as the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) observed an eight-hour statewide bandh to press for the fulfilment of three major demands related to agriculture and public utilities.
The farmers’ organisation called for the shutdown to protest alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, the imposition of high penalties for pollution under control certificates (PUCC), and what it termed arbitrary electricity tariff practices by Tata Power.
NNKS activists began demonstrations from 6 am in Bhubaneswar and several other districts. Protesters blocked major roads, staged picketing, and burned tyres at some locations, leading to significant disruption in vehicular movement and daily activities.
Despite the bandh, essential services such as emergency response and healthcare facilities were exempted and continued to function.
Public transport services were partially affected across the state. Bus operations were disrupted in several areas, including Cuttack, as many private buses remained off the roads. Commuters faced inconvenience at major bus terminals.
“I need to travel back to Kendrapara, but there are no buses at the Netaji Bus Terminal. I was unaware of the bandh and now have no option but to wait,” said a stranded passenger.
The Odisha Congress extended its support to the bandh. While the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) did not formally endorse the shutdown, it expressed solidarity with the protesters during a press briefing. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, dismissed the bandh, calling it a “fake farmers’ movement.”
Meanwhile, security arrangements were strengthened at sensitive locations across the state to prevent any untoward incidents. The NNKS stated that the bandh would remain in effect until 2 pm.
