Odisha Shuts Down: NNKS Bandh Sparks Statewide Disruption
Bhubaneswar: Normal life across Odisha was disrupted on Wednesday as the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) enforced an eight‑hour statewide bandh demanding immediate redressal of farmers’ grievances and protesting against arbitrary fines and tariffs.
The bandh, which lasted from 6 am to 2 pm, saw road blockades, tyre burning, and suspension of vehicular movement in several districts. Public transport was hit hard, with buses staying off the roads in Cuttack and other urban centres, leaving commuters stranded.
NNKS leaders alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, criticized steep fines imposed for Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), and opposed what they termed exploitative electricity tariff practices by Tata Power.
Political reactions were mixed. The Congress extended support to the bandh, while the ruling BJD expressed solidarity without formally endorsing it. The BJP dismissed the agitation as a “fake farmers’ movement.”
Despite the disruption, essential services such as healthcare and emergency response remained functional. Police deployed additional forces at sensitive points to prevent escalation and maintain order.
The bandh highlighted simmering discontent among farmers and consumers, adding pressure on the state government to address procurement policies and utility regulations.
