Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted across several parts of Odisha on Thursday as the 12-hour Odisha Bandh called by the INDIA bloc over a series of political and public-interest issues evoked a strong response.

The bandh, observed from 6 am to 6 pm, was called to demand repeal of the MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2026, resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, and immediate assistance and compensation for people affected by recent floods.

Opposition parties and their supporters also raised concerns over the electoral process, democracy and the Constitution.

The bandh affected road transport, shops, educational institutions and commercial establishments in several districts. Emergency services were kept outside the purview of the shutdown.

Rourkela comes to a standstill

In Rourkela, Congress, CPI(M), CPI and other INDIA bloc constituents staged picketing at major intersections, including Bishra Chowk, Panposh Chowk, Ambedkar Chowk in Uditnagar, Ambagan Chowk, Chhend Chowk, Vedvyas and Sarnagar.

Shops and markets remained closed, while vehicular movement, schools, colleges, government offices, petrol pumps and the Ama Bus service were affected.

Rayagada witnesses widespread disruption

The bandh brought normal activities in Rayagada district to a halt, with shops and markets remaining closed and vehicular movement severely affected.

Government and private educational institutions also remained shut. Hundreds of INDIA bloc workers led by Rayagada MLA and district Congress president Appalaswamy Kadraka staged a sit-in on Kapilas Road.

Road blockades were also reported at Shirikana Chowk and Sai International Chowk.

In Gunupur, MLA Satyajit Gomango and CPI(ML) leader Tirupati Gomango led the shutdown, while in Bishamkatak, Congress MLA Nilamadhab Hikaka spearheaded the protest.

The disruption left passengers facing considerable inconvenience.

Thousands of vehicles stranded at Jaleswar border

The bandh had a major impact in Jaleswar, particularly at the Laxmannath toll plaza on the Odisha-West Bengal border.

Congress, Left parties and various mass organisations blocked NH-16 from around 6 am, resulting in thousands of vehicles being stranded on both sides of the highway.

Protesters also blocked key roads at Badabazar Chowk, Station Chowk and Nampo Hat, affecting traffic on the main Jaleswar roads as well as the Jaleswar-Chandaneswar route.

Police personnel reached the protest sites and held discussions with the agitators. Adequate police deployment was made at different locations to maintain law and order.

Bonai highway blockade affects traffic

The bandh also affected Bonai, where CPI(M), Congress and JMM workers assembled at Narendra Chowk and Rajamunda Bypass on NH-143 from 6 am.

Protesters blocked the highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded along the roadside. The prolonged disruption caused inconvenience to passengers and drivers.

Bonai MLA Laxman Munda joined the protest at Rajamunda Bypass along with CPI(M) district secretary Pramod Samal and Congress leader Yudhishthir Tripathy.

Emergency services were exempted from the bandh.

Heavy vehicles stopped in Jayapur

Jayapur also witnessed widespread protests by Congress and INDIA bloc constituents.

The Congress observed the bandh as part of its ‘Save Democracy Week’ campaign being conducted from October 2 to 8, with the slogan ‘Save Vote, Save Constitution, Save Country’.

Protesters demanded repeal of the MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2026, resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, greater transparency and neutrality in the electoral process, reforms in the state education system and resignation of Minister Nityananda Gond.

They also demanded immediate assistance and adequate compensation for people affected by recent floods.

Road blockades at Traffic Chowk and the Malkangiri bypass brought heavy vehicle movement in the area to a complete halt, while emergency services were exempted.

Chandahandi sees complete shutdown

The bandh also had a strong impact in Chandahandi in Nabarangpur district, where road traffic and business establishments remained closed.

Congress and other political parties and mass organisations blocked the Chandahandi-Umerkote-Kalahandi road from around 6 am, leaving a large number of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.

The protesters reiterated demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, repeal of the MMDR law, resignation of the state School and Mass Education Minister and immediate assistance to flood-affected people.

The agitation was led by Congress leader Khemraj Bagh along with block president Santosh Pattnaik and other party workers.

Chandahandi IIC Bimal Lakra reached the protest site and held discussions with the agitators. Police were deployed at several locations as a precautionary measure.

The INDIA bloc leaders said the bandh was part of their broader campaign to protect democracy, constitutional rights and the interests of the people of Odisha, and warned of intensifying the agitation in the coming days.