Bharat bandh: Groom stranded in Bhubaneswar as strike disrupts traffic

A groom on his way for the wedding was stranded at Jaydev Vihar Square in Bhubaneswar on Thursday after protesters enforcing the Bharat Bandh blocked the National Highway, leading to a tense situation and prolonged traffic congestion.

Abdul Faim Khan had travelled from Soro in Balasore to Khordha for his marriage when his vehicle was stopped by demonstrators at the busy intersection. The situation remained tense at the spot for a considerable period as vehicles piled up on the highway.

Groom Appeals To Protesters

Speaking at the spot, the groom said, “We were aware of the Bharat Bandh today, but the date for our marriage was fixed before any information regarding this was announced. We have already spent money on the wedding and cannot make any changes now. We requested the protesters to allow our vehicle to pass.”

His vehicle remained stuck along with several others as protesters continued the blockade.

Police Clear Highway After Prolonged Blockade

In a subsequent development, police reached Jaydev Vihar Square and removed the protesters after the National Highway had remained blocked for a long period. The demonstrators were picked up from the spot and reportedly arrested.

Following police intervention, the road was cleared and stranded vehicles gradually began moving, easing the traffic congestion in the area.

Bandh Impacts Normal Life

The incident occurred amid a nationwide shutdown observed on Thursday following a 12-hour bandh call from more than 10 labour organisations protesting against the Centre’s labour policies. The shutdown, enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, affected normal life in several parts of Odisha, with both the Congress and the BJD extending support.

Shops and markets, schools and colleges, factories, banks and government offices were shut in many areas at the time of reporting. Bus services faced direct disruption, and vehicular movement was severely affected on key routes.

Also Read: Bharat bandh: Nationwide strike disrupts normal life in Odisha; agitation intensifies across Bhubaneswar

Major trade unions including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS and UTUC joined the bandh, while more than 50 organisations nationwide, including various farmers’ bodies, extended their support.