Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), along with INDIA bloc partners, has called for a statewide bandh on October 8 over issues including the MMDR Amendment Act, alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and errors in school textbooks.
The bandh was announced by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das on September 29. The alliance has also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Key Demands Behind Odisha Bandh
The INDIA bloc has listed three major issues behind the October 8 shutdown.
The parties are demanding the withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, which they have opposed over concerns related to Odisha’s mineral resources.
They have also sought action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities associated with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Another major demand is the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged errors in school textbooks. These are demands raised by the opposition, while the BJP has rejected the allegations and defended the government’s position on the issues.
Several Parties Expected to Support Bandh
Several opposition parties, including CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD, have extended or are expected to extend support to the bandh as part of the INDIA bloc mobilisation.
Congress leaders have appealed to people across Odisha to participate in the shutdown and observe the protest peacefully.
Transport and Commercial Activities May Be Hit
The bandh could affect normal life in several parts of the state, particularly public transport, commercial establishments and markets.
Bus, truck, autorickshaw and other vehicle services may be disrupted as part of the shutdown. Shops, markets and private commercial establishments are also expected to remain closed in areas where the bandh receives support.
Railway services could also face disruptions if protesters block tracks or railway movement, although the extent of the impact may vary from place to place.
Emergency Services to Remain Open
Essential and emergency services are expected to remain outside the bandh.
Hospitals, ambulances, fire services, clinics and medicine shops are expected to continue functioning. Congress leaders have also said that students appearing for examinations will be allowed to attend their exams without disruption.
The INDIA bloc has stated that the bandh will be conducted peacefully and has appealed to supporters to avoid violence or damage to public property.
Political Parties Intensify Protest
The October 8 bandh comes amid continued political disagreements in Odisha over the MMDR Amendment Act, textbook errors and the SIR exercise. The issues have already led to protests and disruptions during the recently concluded Assembly session.
With multiple opposition parties backing the shutdown, the bandh could have an impact on transportation, business and other routine activities across Odisha on October 8.
