Bhubaneswar, 07 October (H.S.): The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has called for a statewide bandh on Thursday, October 8, pressing for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, withdrawal of the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, and the resignation of the Odisha School and Mass Education Minister over alleged errors in school textbooks.

The bandh was announced by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das in Bhubaneswar on September 29. Several non-BJP parties, including the CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), NCP, Forward Bloc, Samajwadi Party, RJD and JMM, are expected to extend support to the shutdown.

The bandh is likely to affect normal life across the state, particularly transport and commercial activities. The Congress has appealed for suspension of bus, truck, autorickshaw and other vehicular services during the shutdown. Train services could also be affected if protesters stage demonstrations at railway stations or tracks.

Shops, markets and other commercial establishments may remain closed in several areas. Government and private offices could also witness disruptions during the bandh.

Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja said railway, bus and other transport services would remain suspended as part of the bandh. However, medical shops and hospitals would remain open. He also said students of Classes 8 and 9 scheduled to appear for examinations on Thursday would be allowed to take their tests without disruption.

“We have pledged to the people that the bandh will be conducted in a non-violent and peaceful manner,” Saluja said, adding that the decision had been taken to ensure the success of the shutdown.

Essential Services Exempted

The Congress has said essential and emergency services will remain outside the ambit of the bandh. Hospitals, ambulance services, fire services and medicine shops will continue to function. Other essential services are also expected to remain operational.

CPI(M) State Secretary Prashant Mishra appealed to people to support the bandh, describing it as a protest concerning what the parties involved consider issues affecting Odisha and the Constitution.

“We appeal to the citizens who love Odisha, believe in the Constitution and want to protect the republic to come forward and support the bandh,” Mishra said.

He added that the INDIA bloc would welcome support from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) or any other political party and appealed to all participants to maintain peace during the shutdown.

The bandh is expected to have varying effects across Odisha, depending on the level of participation by political parties, transport operators, traders and other organisations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda