Bhubaneswar, November 17: The All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association (AOBOA) has threatened a statewide bus strike from December 1, opposing the state government’s proposal to grant additional motor vehicle checking powers to the Police Department.

AOBOA General Secretary Debendra Kumar Sahu said the move could lead to harassment of bus operators and misuse of power, recalling a similar attempt nearly 40 years ago that was withdrawn due to widespread complaints. While the association supports police action under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, it fears that authorities are gradually overstepping their intended limits.

The association had earlier submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urging reconsideration of the proposal. The Odisha Drivers Mahasangh had also staged a “steering surrender” protest in July over the same issue.

AOBOA will hold a General Body meeting on November 25. If the government proceeds with the proposal, private buses across the state will stop operating from December 1, Sahu said.