Bhubaneswar, Jan 28: The Odisha bandh called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan in protest against the alleged failure of the paddy procurement system had only a partial impact in the state capital on Wednesday.
Major roads, railway stations, bus stands, and other key areas in Bhubaneswar remained largely unaffected, with normal traffic movement reported until 9:30 a.m. Members of the organization were seen picketing at key city entry points such as Uttar Chhak and Rasulgarh, informing drivers and commuters about the bandh. Some private buses at the Barmunda bus stand were unable to operate, but government buses continued to run, and shops and markets remained open.
Political parties extend support
The bandh received support from the Congress and CPI(M). According to the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan, the state’s paddy procurement system has collapsed, citing delays in mandi operations, irregularities in token distribution, unfair weighing, low procurement, and delayed payments as major issues affecting farmers. Despite announcements of MSP and input subsidies, most farmers reportedly fail to benefit.
The organization has demanded that the state government:
