The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced plans for an Odisha bandh after Dussehra to protest the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2026.
The party has also announced a proposed seven-day economic blockade targeting mining-related activities and transportation of minerals. In addition, Congress has demanded the resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over the textbook-related issue.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Congress executive committee, where party leaders adopted seven resolutions concerning issues the party intends to raise through its upcoming agitation.
Congress Announces Seven-Day Economic Blockade
As part of its proposed agitation, Congress has called for mining operations, mineral extraction and transportation of minerals to be halted for seven days.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said the party would intensify its campaign against the MMDR Amendment Act, which Congress has opposed.
The party has demanded repeal of the amended legislation, stating that it believes the provisions could affect Odisha’s interests and revenue associated with its mineral resources.
The proposed economic blockade is expected to focus particularly on mining and mineral transportation activities across the state.
Demand For Minister’s Resignation
The Congress executive committee also reiterated its demand for the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
The demand comes amid the political dispute over errors in school textbooks and issues surrounding their distribution in Odisha.
Congress has included the education-related issue among the matters it plans to raise as part of its wider political campaign.
Seven Resolutions Adopted
According to Bhakta Charan Das, seven resolutions were adopted during the executive committee meeting.
The MMDR Amendment Act and the demand for the resignation of Nityananda Gond were among the issues highlighted by the party.
Das said the proposed Odisha bandh would be held after Dussehra and would be followed by the seven-day economic blockade.
“Seven resolutions were passed at the meeting, with the MMDR Act and the demand for Nityananda Gond’s resignation among the key proposals. The Congress has announced an Odisha bandh after Dussehra, followed by a seven-day economic blockade during which mining operations and the transportation of minerals will be suspended,” Das said.
Congress Seeks Wider Support For Agitation
The executive committee meeting was held under the slogan ‘Not me, but us’, with party leaders discussing plans to coordinate the organisation’s activities and intensify the proposed agitation.
The party is expected to announce further details regarding the date of the bandh and the proposed economic blockade.
Congress has been raising the MMDR issue in the Odisha Legislative Assembly as well as through public demonstrations, while seeking a wider discussion on the implications of the amended legislation for the state.
BJP Response Awaited
The latest announcement is expected to draw a response from the ruling BJP-led Odisha government.
As of the time of the announcement, a response from the BJP regarding the proposed bandh, economic blockade and Congress’s other demands was not immediately available.
Further developments are expected as the Congress finalises the schedule and operational details of its proposed statewide agitation.
