Bhubaneswar, Oct 8: The 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc has affected normal life across several parts of the State today, with protests, picketing and disruptions to public movement reported from Malkangiri, Bhubaneswar, Jatni, Puri, Berhampur, Bhadrak, Soro, Rayagada, Sundargarh and Jagatsinghpur.

The bandh is being observed from 6 am to 6 pm, with opposition parties seeking action on the amended MMDR Act, alleged errors in school textbooks and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The alliance has also raised demands linked to flood rehabilitation and compensation.

Transport, commercial activity and public movement have been among the major areas affected, while hospitals, ambulances, medical shops and other essential services have been kept outside the bandh.

Bandh Impact in Malkangiri

In Malkangiri, bandh supporters took to the streets as part of the statewide shutdown. Public and commercial activity was affected in areas where protesters enforced the bandh.

Bhubaneswar Sees Protest Activity

In Bhubaneswar, the State capital, bandh-related mobilisation and security arrangements were intensified at important locations. Police were deployed at sensitive points and around government offices to prevent any untoward incident and ensure public safety.

Jatni Witnesses Bandh Effect

In Jatni, bandh supporters also took part in the shutdown, affecting normal movement and business activity in parts of the town.

Protesters were seen enforcing the bandh as transport and commercial establishments remained affected during the shutdown hours.

Puri and Berhampur

The bandh also affected normal activity in Puri and Berhampur, where protest programmes and picketing were reported amid the statewide shutdown.

With transport services expected to face disruption, commuters and visitors were advised to exercise caution while travelling during the bandh hours. The bandh could also affect commercial establishments and regular business activity in different areas.

Bhadrak: Tyre Set Ablaze, Police Intervene

A dramatic scene unfolded in Bhadrak, where agitators reportedly set a tyre on fire during the bandh near Town Hall Square.

Police intervened and extinguished the fire. The incident also led to a verbal argument between police personnel and a Congress leader over the burning tyre.

Bhadrak City DSP Anil Pradhan was seen personally putting out the fire.

Reacting to the incident, the City DSP said:

“You will set the fire, and if we do not extinguish it, what are we supposed to do?”

The incident added tension to the bandh proceedings in the area, even as police continued efforts to prevent any escalation.

Soro, Rayagada, Sundargarh and Jagatsinghpur

Bandh-related activities were also reported from Soro, Rayagada, Sundargarh and Jagatsinghpur, with protesters seeking to enforce the shutdown in different locations.

Security personnel have been deployed across the State, particularly at important roads, highways, railway stations and other sensitive locations. The Odisha Police leadership has directed district police to maintain close surveillance and take action against violence, vandalism, forcible closure of establishments and obstruction of ordinary traffic.

What Remains Open?

The bandh organisers have said that essential and emergency services will remain operational. Hospitals, ambulance services, fire services and medicine shops are expected to function normally.

The bandh has therefore produced a mixed impact across Odisha, with the intensity varying from one location to another depending on local participation and protest activity.

As the shutdown continues until 6 pm, police and district administrations remain on alert to maintain law and order and ensure that essential services are not disrupted.