Bhubaneswar, July 9 (UNI) The Bharat bandh called by a forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates, in protest against what they termed as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies,” partially affected normal life in some parts of Odisha today.
Transport services across the state were severely hit, coinciding with the second day of the indefinite strike called by the Driver Federation, leading to widespread hardship for commuters.
The response from business establishments was mixed, with some shops in the state capital remaining closed in support of the bandh.
Members of the central trade unions staged pickets at several major intersections and busy squares in Bhubaneswar.
They also briefly squatted on railway tracks at Bhubaneswar railway station, but train services remained unaffected, according to East Coast Railway (ECoR) sources.
Petrol pumps in the state capital were shut down due to picketing by bandh supporters. However, in other parts of the state, petrol pumps remained open.
Private bus services were largely suspended across the state due to the strike called by both the central trade unions and the Driver Federation.
Only government-operated buses under the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and the Ama Bus service were seen operating.
Banking services, particularly in public sector banks, were affected due to the agitation, although private banks remained open.
Reports reaching the state capital indicated that thousands of vehicles were stranded at various locations on national highways across Odisha due to road blockades and protest demonstrations by the striking trade union activists.
