Bhubaneswar: The 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc has disrupted public transport and normal life in several parts of the state. Buses and autorickshaws remained off the roads at many locations, leaving passengers stranded and forcing commuters to look for alternative modes of transport.
The bandh has been called over four key demands, while essential services including hospitals, ambulances, medicine shops, milk supply, fire and rescue services, examinations and media operations have been kept outside its purview.
Four Key Demands Behind the Bandh
The opposition parties have called the shutdown demanding the withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and the resignation of Odisha School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged irregularities in textbooks.
The fourth demand relates to immediate and adequate relief for families affected by floods across the state.
The Congress, along with eight other opposition parties, has appealed to people to keep vehicles off the roads and close shops, markets, commercial establishments and offices during the bandh.
Buses and Autos Stay Off Roads
Public transport has been among the worst affected by the shutdown. Although the Odisha private bus owners’ association has not extended its support to the bandh, bus services have been disrupted at several locations amid protests and road blockades.
The Nikhila Utkal Auto Chalak Sangha has also decided to keep autorickshaws off the roads, citing security concerns during the bandh.
In Bhubaneswar, protesters were seen blocking roads and stopping vehicles at various locations. At Master Canteen, the movement of buses and autos came to a halt as opposition workers staged demonstrations.
In Sambalpur, protesters reportedly attempted to stop an Ama Bus at Laxmi Talkies Square. Police personnel reached the spot and monitored the situation.
Passengers Face Difficulties
The bandh has caused significant inconvenience to passengers who rely on public transport for their daily travel.
In Cuttack, several commuters said they were unaware of the bandh and were caught off guard after finding bus services suspended. A group of five travellers who had visited Puri reportedly struggled to return home as buses were unavailable.
Another passenger said his family had no option but to remain at the bus stand as hiring an autorickshaw would have been too expensive.
Security Tightened Across Bhubaneswar
The Commissionerate Police has deployed additional personnel across Bhubaneswar to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order during the bandh.
Around 18 platoons of security forces and 100 officers have reportedly been kept ready at key locations across the city.
Despite the disruption to transport and commercial activities, essential services such as healthcare, emergency response, medicine supply, milk distribution and examinations continue to remain operational.
