Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): The 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc disrupted public transport and affected daily life across the state on Thursday, with buses and auto-rickshaws remaining largely off the roads and passengers struggling to reach their destinations.
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The bandh began at 6 am and is scheduled to continue until 6 pm, with opposition parties urging people to keep vehicles off the roads and close shops, markets, commercial establishments and offices.
Passengers Left Stranded
The shutdown created significant difficulties for travellers in several parts of the state.
In Cuttack, passengers at bus stands reportedly faced trouble after bus services were disrupted. Some travellers said they were caught unaware by the bandh and were unable to find transport to return home.
A group of five passengers who had travelled to Puri reportedly said they were stranded after failing to find a bus back home.
Another passenger said hiring an auto-rickshaw was too expensive, leaving the family with little option but to wait at the bus stand.
Surgeon Stopped While Heading to Hospital
The bandh also led to an unusual situation in Bhubaneswar, where a surgeon was reportedly stopped while travelling to Capital Hospital to attend to patients and perform scheduled surgeries.
The doctor reportedly explained to the protesters that he was required to reach the hospital for medical duties and was subsequently allowed to proceed.
Essential and emergency services have been kept outside the purview of the bandh, with protesters directed not to obstruct medical care, ambulances and other critical services.
Security Stepped Up in Capital
The Commissionerate Police has strengthened security arrangements across Bhubaneswar to prevent any untoward incident during the shutdown.
Around 18 platoons of security personnel and 100 officers have reportedly been deployed or kept ready at key locations, including areas considered vulnerable to protests and traffic disruptions.
Police personnel are maintaining a close watch on major roads, public places and sensitive points as demonstrations continue.
Opposition Lists Four Key Demands
The INDIA bloc has called the bandh over several issues, including the demand for withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
The opposition parties have also sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process.
Another demand is the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged irregularities in school textbooks.
The opposition has additionally demanded immediate and adequate relief for families affected by floods in Odisha.
While the bandh has affected transport and commercial activity in several areas, authorities are continuing efforts to ensure that essential services remain operational and the situation remains peaceful.