The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) organized a statewide bandh in Odisha, causing a partial disruption to daily activities. The bandh, held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., highlighted issues such as chaos in state-run mandis and alleged mismanagement in the paddy procurement system.
The protest also addressed concerns regarding the forceful installation of electricity smart meters and excessive penalties on vehicle owners for Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). Various political parties, including the opposition Congress and Left parties, supported the bandh called by NNKS.
Despite picketing by NNKS members and Congress, commercial establishments operated normally, with shops and malls in Bhubaneswar functioning after 11 a.m. However, most educational institutions remained closed, and public transport faced disruptions as private buses did not operate in many areas.
While emergency and medical services continued without interruption, private buses remained off the roads in several places. Train services operated normally throughout the state. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena reported that protesters held rallies in Bhubaneswar, leading to the detention of several demonstrators as a preventive measure.
NNKS leader Akshaya Kumar criticized the state government for neglecting the plight of farmers, daily wage workers, and citizens. He alleged that farmers are incurring heavy losses at mandis and facing unjust fines under the PUCC system. Kumar also accused Tata Power of imposing excessive charges on consumers.
Kumar emphasized that these issues have garnered significant public support in Odisha, warning of a stronger movement if the government continues to ignore their grievances.
