Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 [UDN}:The Odisha unit of the INDIA bloc has announced a statewide “Odisha Bandh” on October 8, raising several political and public-interest issues. The bandh call was announced by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das during an INDIA bloc protest rally in Bhubaneswar on September 29.
The major issues cited by the opposition alliance include:
Demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Opposition to the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026 (MMDR Act), with the INDIA bloc demanding withdrawal of the amendments.
Protest over alleged errors in school textbooks and a demand for accountability from the state School and Mass Education Department.
A broader call for what Congress describes as the protection of democracy and electoral integrity.
The INDIA bloc has been coordinating protests over the SIR exercise and the Election Commission. At the national level, the alliance has announced district-level “Save Democracy” marches from October 2 to 8, along with a planned march to the Election Commission on October 6.
On the MMDR issue, opposition parties in Odisha have argued that the amended law could affect the state’s revenue and powers over mineral resources. The BJP, however, has rejected these allegations, saying the amendments are intended to bring greater transparency and uniformity to the mining sector.
The bandh organisers have indicated plans to keep transport and normal public movement suspended, except for essential and emergency services, as part of the statewide protest.
October 8 will therefore see the INDIA bloc take its agitation to the streets across Odisha, with the bandh centred on the Election Commission/SIR controversy, the MMDR amendments, textbook errors and broader democratic concerns.