Bhubaneswar, Oct 2: The INDIA bloc has announced a statewide agitation in Odisha over a four-point charter of demands, including protection of voters’ rights, safeguarding the state’s rights over mineral resources and revenue, reforms in the education system, and adequate compensation for flood-affected people.
One of the key demands of the bloc is the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from office. The alliance has also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, alleging that it affects the state’s rights over its mineral resources and revenue. The amended law does place restrictions on state governments imposing specified levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
The INDIA bloc has further demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over what it described as serious irregularities in the distribution of school textbooks. It has also sought adequate and appropriate compensation for people affected by floods in the state.
Speaking after a meeting of INDIA bloc parties at Congress Bhavan on Thursday, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said a strong agitation would be launched to press for the demands.
The meeting was chaired by Bhakta Charan Das. Following the meeting, he announced that a ‘Save Democracy Week’ would be observed from October 2 to 8.
As part of the programme, joint district-level meetings will be held on October 2, followed by block-level preparatory meetings on October 3.
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From October 3 to 8, the alliance will organise local meetings, marches and public awareness programmes. On October 6, massive marches and public meetings will be held across all districts. Torchlight processions will be organised at the state capital as well as district and block headquarters on October 7.
The INDIA bloc has also announced an Odisha bandh on October 8 from 6 am to 6 pm. Essential services will be kept outside the purview of the shutdown, Bhakta Charan Das said.
The October 8 bandh has also been reported as being centred on demands concerning the MMDR Amendment Act, the school textbook issue and the Election Commission.
