Bhubaneswar, Jan 28: The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan has called for an eight-hour Odisha bandh on Wednesday over issues related to paddy procurement mandis, PUC checks, and the installation of smart meters. The bandh is being observed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The farmers’ body alleged large-scale mismanagement at paddy mandis, unjust collection of fines in the name of pollution control, and arbitrary practices by Tata Power. It has appealed for the closure of shops, markets, schools, and colleges during the bandh period.
The Congress party has extended its support to the bandh, with the Pradesh Congress Committee directing all district units to participate. The BJD has also extended indirect support to the protest.
Protest activities were reported from various parts of the state. In Bhubaneswar, agitators blocked roads by burning tyres at Uttara Chhak on the city outskirts. In Subarnapur district, Congress workers staged picketing in Binika, while demonstrations were also held at the Binika–Barpali NH College Chhak.
