Congress Bandh Paralyzes Malkangiri Over LPG and Paddy Woes

Normal life came to a standstill in Malkangiri district on Tuesday as the Congress enforced a 12‑hour bandh protesting against acute LPG scarcity and the government’s failure in paddy procurement.

Shops, markets, and institutions remained closed, while vehicular movement was disrupted across the district.

Congress leaders alleged that households, hotels, and eateries are struggling due to irregular LPG supply, forcing residents to queue for hours.

Farmers, meanwhile, face mounting losses as harvested paddy lies unsold in mandis despite government‑issued tokens. Unseasonal rains have worsened the situation, damaging stocks and leaving cultivators in distress.

Protesters staged demonstrations at key locations, raising slogans and demanding immediate action.

Their demands included regular LPG distribution, urgent lifting of paddy stocks, compensation for spoiled crops, and faster procurement processes.

The bandh was largely peaceful, with emergency services exempted. Congress leaders accused the state government of neglecting basic needs and failing to safeguard both consumers and farmers.