Odisha disrupted by 8-hour NNKS bandh over paddy procurement, smart meters, PUCC fine

Normal life was disrupted across Odisha on Wednesday as the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) observed an eight-hour statewide bandh, pressing for the fulfilment of three key demands related to agriculture and public utilities.

The farmers’ body called the shutdown to protest alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, the imposition of hefty fines for pollution certificates, and what it described as arbitrary electricity tariff practices by Tata Power.

NNKS activists took to the streets in Bhubaneswar and several other parts of the state from 6 am, blocking major roads, burning tyres at some places and staging picketing, which led to widespread disruption of vehicular movement.

Despite the shutdown, essential services, including emergency and healthcare services, were exempted from the bandh.

Public transport was partially affected, with bus services disrupted in several regions, including Cuttack, as many private buses stayed off the roads in view of the bandh. Commuters faced inconvenience at major bus terminals.

“I have to return to Kendrapara, but there is no bus at the Netaji Bus Terminal. I was not aware of the bandh. I have no option but to wait,” said a stranded passenger.

The Odisha Congress extended its support to the bandh. While the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stopped short of formally backing the shutdown, it expressed solidarity with the protesters during a press conference. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the bandh, calling it a “fake farmers’ movement”.

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Meanwhile, security arrangements were tightened at sensitive locations across the state to prevent any untoward incidents. The NNKS has announced that the bandh will remain in force until 2 pm.