Odisha Stays Largely Unfazed by Bharat Bandh Call

Bhubaneswar: The Bharat Bandh called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and joint trade unions in solidarity with protesting farmers saw a muted response across Odisha, particularly in Bhubaneswar. While the strike garnered minimal attention in the capital city, Angul and Rourkela witnessed a mixed reaction.

In Bhubaneswar, vehicular movement remained unaffected, and trains operated on schedule. However, the trade unions plan to hold a joint rally in the afternoon to spotlight the challenges faced by the protesting farmers.

In contrast, Angul and Rourkela experienced disruptions, with temporary halts in bus services and closures of several plants and industries in Kalunga Industrial Estate and Rajgangpur. Mining operations were also suspended in Kalta, Bimalagarh, and Koida.

The farmers’ demands include a hike in Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and the implementation of the Swaminathan National Commission on Farmers report.