Bhubaneswar: Normal life across Odisha has come to a near standstill today, February 12, 2026, as a 12-hour state-wide shutdown is being observed from 6 am to 6 pm. The strike is part of a nationwide Bharat Bandh called by a coalition of over ten central trade unions and supported by various farmers’ organizations and political parties, including the Congress and Left parties.
In major urban centers like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Sambalpur, the impact has been significant. Public transport services, including state-run buses and taxis, have largely remained off the roads, leaving many commuters stranded at major terminals. Protesters have staged road blockades on key routes, including National Highway 16 and the Jaydev Vihar flyover in the state capital, leading to massive traffic congestion.
Educational institutions, banks, and many government offices are closed or operating with minimal staff. Business establishments and local markets have also shut their doors in support of the strike or due to the lack of transport. The GNM second-year examinations scheduled for today were postponed by authorities to February 16 in response to the disruptions.
The primary reason for the shutdown is a protest against the implementation of four new labor codes, which the unions argue will weaken worker rights and job security. Protesters are also demanding the restoration of MGNREGA provisions and a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.
Politically, the shutdown has received significant backing from the Congress party and various Left parties, including the CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, and the All India Forward Bloc. Additionally, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has extended its support to the strike in Odisha, marking a rare alignment with the opposition parties on these labor and farm issues. Banking unions like the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) are also participating, which has led to the closure of most nationalized bank branches across the state.
On the agricultural front, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a major umbrella body for farmers’ organizations, has extended full support to the strike. In Odisha specifically, the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) has been active in mobilizing local farmers over regional issues such as paddy procurement and smart meter implementation.
Despite the widespread disruptions, essential services have been exempted from the strike. Hospitals, pharmacies, ambulance services, fire brigades, and water and electricity supply continue to function normally. Airports and train services are also operating, though travelers are facing difficulties reaching stations and airports due to the lack of local transport.