BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is set for a statewide bandh on Thursday, October 8, with the INDIA bloc calling for a 12-hour shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm over a set of political and governance-related demands.
The bandh was originally announced by opposition parties in late September, but preparations have intensified ahead of Thursday’s shutdown. At a meeting in Bhubaneswar on October 6, leaders of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML)-Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Samajwadi Party, RJD and other INDIA bloc constituents discussed coordination across districts and blocks and appealed for a peaceful bandh.
The alliance has asked people to support the shutdown and has appealed for the suspension or closure of public transport, commercial establishments, markets, shops, courts and government and private offices during the bandh. Essential services, including hospitals, ambulances, fire services, medicine shops and other emergency services, have been kept outside the bandh appeal.
Why has the INDIA bloc called the bandh?
The opposition alliance has raised four major demands, first is the complete withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. Opposition parties have argued that the amended mining law could affect Odisha’s interests as a mineral-rich state and its share of mineral-related revenue. CPI(M) state secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy said the alliance wants the state’s mineral rights and financial interests protected.
The second demand concerns school textbook errors. The INDIA bloc is seeking the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, holding the government responsible for errors found in newly published textbooks.
The third demand relates to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The alliance has demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and some opposition leaders have also sought his arrest, alleging irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process. These are allegations made by the opposition and have been rejected by BJP leaders.
Fourth issue raised in the latest preparations is relief and rehabilitation for people affected by floods in Odisha. Opposition leaders have demanded adequate assistance for flood-affected families.
What could be affected on October 8?
INDIA bloc has appealed for buses, trucks, auto-rickshaws and other public transport services to remain off the roads during the bandh. Markets, shops, commercial establishments and offices are also expected to face disruption in areas where the bandh receives support.
The organisers have specifically appealed for train and bus services as well as government and private vehicles to remain suspended during the protest. However, the actual impact may vary from district to district depending on participation and local arrangements.
Essential medical services are expected to continue. Hospitals, ambulances and medical stores have been specifically exempted by the bandh organisers. Fire services and other emergency services have also been listed among the services that should remain operational.
What about school examinations?
The bandh comes at a time when examinations are being conducted in the state. INDIA bloc leaders have said they will take special care to ensure that students appearing for Class 8 and Class 9 examinations do not face inconvenience because of the shutdown.
The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, is also conducting the 2026 Class VIII High-Level Test and the Single Subject in Odia for Class X during this period, according to its official examination notice.
Students and parents should therefore check any school-level instructions or official examination updates before travelling on Thursday.
Security arrangements stepped up
The state administration has been preparing for possible disruption. A report based on a Home Department communication said district collectors had been alerted ahead of the bandh and asked to take preventive measures, strengthen security at sensitive locations and ensure essential services continue.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened in Bhubaneswar. Police have made preparations at important locations to maintain law and order during the protest.
The INDIA bloc has said the bandh will remain peaceful and non-violent. At the same time, the political atmosphere around the protest has been tense. During an earlier opposition demonstration in Bhubaneswar, protesters clashed with security personnel after police stopped them from moving towards the Chief Minister’s residence.
For ordinary residents, the main question on October 8 will be how much of daily life is actually disrupted. The bandh organisers have called for a statewide shutdown, but participation by transport operators, traders, offices and other groups can differ from one area to another.
With the shutdown scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, people travelling for work, school, medical appointments or other essential purposes may need to plan ahead, particularly if they depend on public transport.
The bandh is the latest escalation in the INDIA bloc’s opposition to the amended mining law, textbook errors, the SIR exercise and the government’s handling of flood relief. The state will now see whether Thursday’s call translates into a broad shutdown across Odisha or remains uneven across districts.
