Bharat Bandh Disrupts Normal Life Across Odisha; Roads Blocked, Trains Affected

Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted across Odisha on Thursday as several central trade unions observed a nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, protesting against the alleged anti-people policies of the Union Government.

The impact of the bandh was felt in multiple districts, with roads blocked, markets shut, and vehicular movement affected due to demonstrations and road blockades staged by protesters.

In Bhubaneswar, members of labour unions locked the ‘Ama Bus’ depot at Master Canteen and staged a protest at its gate, halting bus operations from the facility. A road blockade was also organised at Master Canteen Square, causing traffic congestion in the area. Protesters further blocked National Highway-16 at the Jaydev Vihar flyover, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.

In Sundargarh district’s Bonai area, the bandh had a significant impact in Rajamunda and Patsahi. The strike was led by CPI(M) MLA Laxman Munda. Vehicular movement on the national highway came to a standstill, and markets remained closed. Activists of CPI(M) and CITU also blocked railway tracks at Bimlagarh, disrupting train services.

At Balasore railway station, trade union members staged demonstrations and stopped the Bangiriposi–Puri Express as part of their protest. Agitations were also reported from various parts of Balasore town.

In Bolangir, protesters locked the district head post office and staged demonstrations. The morning vegetable market was also shut down by agitators.

In Bhadrak, members of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) blocked NH-16 near College Chhak, disrupting vehicular movement.

In Berhampur, labour union members staged a sit-in at the railway station, while several private educational institutions in the city remained closed due to the strike.

Across many parts of the state, shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. However, emergency services, including ambulance operations, were kept out of the ambit of the bandh.

The central trade unions called the Bharat Bandh alleging that the Union Government has introduced anti-people legislation and policy measures. The unions opposed the proposed replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and demanded the repeal of the four labour codes enacted by the Centre, terming them anti-labour.

The Odisha Congress extended its support to the bandh.