Odisha Congress holds 12-hr Deogarh bandh over mandi 'irregularities', farmers join protest 

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) launched a dawn-to-dusk bandh on Tuesday from 6 am to 6 pm over alleged paddy procurement irregularities in mandis in Deogarh. 

Alleging irregularities in the mandis, Deogarh Krushak Sangharsha Sangha has also joined the Congress party to voice its demands. 

Due to the strike, all the government and private offices and schools remained closed. Besides, vehicular movement have been affected. Normal life was also disrupted in the district. 

Shops and marketplaces have been closed following the bandh. 

Since morning, the Congress workers observed the bandh in every major location in the district. Besides, they have blocked the National Highway (NH) Number 49, by placing paddy bags and raising slogans. 

Due to the blockade, vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the highway. The commuters are facing issues as heavy vehicles including passengers’ buses have also been stranded on the road.

“Massive irregularities have been reported in mandis. Our paddy crop is remaining unsold, which is creating difficulties for us. Over 85% of farmers are affected in this district. The Odisha government is neglecting these issues. Besides, the millers are forcing farmers to bring them to the mills. We want the Odisha Government to address the mandi issues in our district,” said Deogarh District Congress President Sem Hemram.