Odisha’s farmers are set to paralyze the state on January 28 with a bandh called by Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan, gaining momentum from Congress’s explicit support. The call to action stems from procurement scandals in paddy markets, botched smart meter initiatives, and draconian PUCC fines hitting hard at rural livelihoods.
OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das led the charge in a video exhortation, directing all levels of the party to back the shutdown wholeheartedly. Key flashpoints include the controversial subsidy cutoff for farmers exceeding 150 quintals and exploitative pollution control levies, themes of prior Congress-led agitations.
Akshay Kumar outlined the bandh’s parameters—morning to mid-afternoon—targeting specific grievances while safeguarding essentials like ambulances and trains. This measured approach aims to maximize impact without public hardship.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty hailed it as a constructive step reflecting farmers’ plight, aligning with their roadmap of February protests statewide and a flagship rally in Bhubaneswar on the 24th, addressing paddy policies and public safety.
As political heavyweights converge, the bandh spotlights urgent needs for transparent procurement and fair regulations. Odisha’s leadership faces a defining moment to avert escalation, with implications rippling through the state’s socio-economic fabric.