Odisha Bandh 2026: Congress & BJD Support Farmers’ Protest, BJP Rejects Call
Bhubaneswar: The statewide bandh called by Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) on January 28, 2026, has triggered sharp political reactions across Odisha.
The protest, scheduled from 6 AM to 2 PM, highlights farmers’ grievances over paddy procurement, rising electricity tariffs, and hefty fines linked to vehicle pollution certificates.
The Congress party has extended full support, with PCC President Bhakta Charan Das directing district committees to participate actively.
The ruling BJD also welcomed the bandh, citing farmers’ concerns and broader issues affecting citizens, including Smart City projects.
NKS has demanded procurement of paddy at Rs 3100 per quintal, timely payments to farmers, and strict action against middlemen and corrupt officials.
The Navnirman Yubachhatra Sangathan has already launched rallies in Bhubaneswar to mobilise support.
Meanwhile, the BJP has rejected the bandh outright, terming it a “fake farmers’ protest.” Party spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra accused Congress of propping up the agitation and claimed that farmers are more motivated under the current government compared to the BJD’s tenure.
The bandh is expected to disrupt normal life across Odisha, with political parties sharpening their positions ahead of the protest.
