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Bandh Highlights Public Discontent

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pradesh Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said that a statewide “Odisha Bandh” was successfully observed, orchestrated by a coalition of opposition political parties, including the Congress. The joint opposition expressed profound gratitude to the citizens of the state for their overwhelming support, emphasizing that the bandh was conducted peacefully.

The organizers extended their thanks to all sections of society, including leftist and democratic parties, trade unions, farmers’ organizations, women, youth, students, lawyers, and business communities, for their full cooperation, which ensured the bandh’s success and transformed it into a genuine “public bandh.”

The primary demands of the bandh were a judicial investigation into the alleged systematic murder of a student from Mohan University, and a strong protest against the “double-engine” BJP government’s perceived misgovernance, indifference towards women’s dignity and safety, and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Markets, transportation services, educational institutions, government offices, banks, and insurance companies across the state remained completely closed. However, essential services such as ambulances and inpatient medical services were exempted from the shutdown.

Further demands included the resignations of the Minister of Higher Education, the MP from Balasore, and the Balasorer Sadar MLA, along with calls for action against the Baleshwar District Magistrate and SP. The joint opposition parties asserted that the current government had forfeited its right to rule.

During the bandh, prominent leaders and members from various political parties, including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI (ML) – Liberation, All India Forward Block, NCP, and SP, took active leadership roles across the state. Approximately 100 Congress leaders and workers were arrested by the police during the movement and taken to the Reserve Police Line office.

The joint opposition has announced its intention to continue the issue-based movement, demanding a judicial investigation into the student’s death, ensuring women’s safety, and establishing the rule of law in the state. The bandh was marked by the active involvement, unity, and cooperation of the people, resulting in a peaceful and exceptionally successful demonstration. The united opposition party extended its heartfelt thanks to the entire state for their participation.