Bhubaneswar: The INDIA bloc is set to observe an Odisha bandh on Thursday, 8 October 2026, over three major demands.

Congress and its allies are expected to take to the streets across the state. The bandh could affect normal life, particularly road transport, markets and business establishments.

What to expect during the bandh

Workers and members of Congress and its allies may block roads at several places, which could disrupt vehicular movement. Commuters may face delays, particularly in major cities and towns.

Shops and business establishments may also remain closed in response to the bandh call. The extent of the impact, however, is likely to vary from place to place.

The protesters may also stage rail roko demonstrations at railway stations, which could affect train movement and cause delays or disruptions.

Emergency services to remain exempt

Essential and emergency services will remain outside the purview of the bandh. These include:

• Ambulance services
• Fire services
• Medicine shops and pharmacies
• Milk transportation
• Other essential emergency services

Why has the INDIA bloc called the bandh?

The INDIA bloc has called the Odisha bandh over three key demands:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
2. Resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over errors in school textbooks.
3. Resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The opposition parties have said the bandh is aimed at putting pressure on the government over these issues.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das said Congress and its alliance partners would ensure that the bandh is observed peacefully across the state.

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