States » EastPosted at: Oct 8 2026 7:35PM


Odisha bandh receives widespread response, says Congress; Das warns of intensified agitation

Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UNI) The 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc on four major demands received widespread public response across the state, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das claimed on Thursday, warning that the party would intensify its agitation in the coming days.
Addressing the media, Das said the bandh had been successful due to what he described as massive public support. He said the Congress had informed people about the proposed shutdown well in advance and appealed for support from the district level down to the panchayat level.
“The bandh has received significant public support and made an impact across the state,” Das said.
He said the day was also observed as a ‘Black Day’ across Odisha in protest against the alleged inhuman conduct of police in Delhi towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others.
In Bhubaneswar, INDIA bloc workers staged picketing and took out rallies at several places across the city. Das, along with senior Congress leaders, joined the rallies, interacted with party workers and criticised the state government.
Das said the bandh was organised over four demands — withdrawal of the MMDR Act, action over the state government’s alleged failure in flood management, resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
“All our demands have touched a chord with the people. The bandh had a widespread impact in different districts, including rural areas,” Das claimed.
He warned that the Congress would launch more extensive agitations in the coming days and organise programmes to gherao ministers as part of its campaign on the issues.
On the Biju Janata Dal’s position on the bandh, Das said the BJD had announced that it extended moral support to the agitation.
“If they launch an agitation in the future, we will put forth our stand. But we will not take a U-turn like them,” he asserted.
The dawn-to-dusk bandh affected normal life at several places across Odisha, with INDIA bloc workers staging demonstrations and picketing in support of their demands.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha bandh receives widespread response# says Congress; Das warns of intensified agitation
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