12-hour Odisha bandh disrupts normal life, public transport hit

Normal life was disrupted across Odisha on Thursday as the INDIA bloc observed a 12-hour bandh from 6 am to 6 pm, with buses and autos staying off several roads amid protests and picketing.

The Congress and eight other opposition parties have called the shutdown over four demands, including withdrawal of the MMDR Act, resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged textbook irregularities, and immediate relief for flood-affected families.

Essential services, including hospitals, ambulances, fire and rescue services, medicine shops, milk supply, examinations and media operations, have been kept outside the bandh.

Buses, autos affected

Public transport faced the biggest disruption. While the state private bus owners’ association has not backed the bandh, services were affected at several locations due to protests and road blockades. The Nikhila Utkal Auto Chalak Sangha also kept autos off the roads, citing security concerns.

In Bhubaneswar, protesters blocked roads and stopped vehicles. Bus and auto movement came to a halt at Master Canteen amid demonstrations.

In Sambalpur, protesters attempted to stop an Ama Bus at Laxmi Talkies Square. Police reached the spot and monitored the situation.

Passengers stranded

In Cuttack, several passengers said they were caught off guard after finding bus services suspended. Five travellers returning from Puri said they were unable to find transport back home.

Another passenger said his family had to remain at the bus stand as hiring an auto was too expensive.

Meanwhile, Commissionerate Police deployed additional personnel across Bhubaneswar to prevent any untoward incident. Around 18 platoons of force and 100 officers were kept ready at key locations.