Normal life hit in Odisha as INDIA bloc parties observe bandh over new mining law, other issues
Opposition parties in Odisha organized a 12-hour state-wide bandh to protest against a new mining law, alleged errors in school textbooks, and irregularities in electoral roll revisions. The strike disrupted public transport and business operations across several major cities, though essential services remained operational.
Why it matters
The protest highlights growing political friction in Odisha and the use of mass civil action to challenge state policy and administrative integrity.
Normal life was affected in several districts of Odisha on Thursday (October 8, 2026) as supporters of INDIA bloc parties held demonstrations and blocked roads as part of a 12-hour bandh to protest against a new mining law, errors in school textbooks and the alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.
Business establishments, petrol pumps, shops and many educational institutes were seen closed in the morning, while public transport such as buses and autorickshaws remained off the road.
The protesters, holding party flags and banners, staged demonstrations in various places and blocked roads and national highways in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Balasore, Rayagada, Kendrapara, Bolangir, Berhampur, and Sambalpur.
They picketed at major junctions across the state and burnt tyres to enforce the bandh.
A number of buses, trucks, taxis, and autorickshaws were stopped in several districts.
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