BJP observes 12-hour bandh demanding sub-division status for Soro

Balasore: Normal life has been affected at various places in Soro and Bahanaga blocks of Balasore district today due to a 12-hour dawn to dusk bandh being observed by BJP demanding sub-division status to Soro.

Besides, Government and private offices, shops and other business establishments and educational institutions have remained closed due to the bandh. Vehicular movement has also been disrupted in the blocks as the party activists staged road blockades and picketing at several places.

The activists alleged that though Soro has all the criterion to become a sub-divisional headquarters, it is yet to be included in the list of sub-divisions.

"As per reports of the standing committee, 14 new sub-divisions have been declared but despite fulfilling all criterion, the Odisha Government did not include Soro in the list," alleged Rakesh Mallick, a BJP member

"The bandh is being observed in Bahanaga, Gopalpur , Anantapur and other areas under Soro Assembly Constituency. However, national highways and railway stations have been exempted from the bandh," added Mallick.