Opposition Backs Odisha Bandh on Jan 28 Amid Farmer Protests

Bhubaneswar, Jan 27: The Odisha Bandh scheduled for January 28, called by the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan to protest issues affecting farmers, has gained strong backing from major opposition parties, including the Congress, BJD and CPI, intensifying political pressure on the state government.

The bandh has been organised to highlight multiple grievances, including alleged mismanagement at paddy procurement mandis, the imposition of fines on the public in the name of pollution control, and what the organisers describe as exploitation through Tata Power’s smart meters.

Under the leadership of state coordinator M.D. Manwar Ali, the Navnirman Youth and Student Organisation has been holding peaceful awareness campaigns in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar ahead of the shutdown. Ali appealed to the public to support the bandh by keeping shops, markets and vehicles off the roads.

Ali also accused the BJP-led government of adopting repressive measures against activists. He alleged that Transport Department officials seized vehicles belonging to organisation members in Patia and threatened to cancel their driving licences.

Strongly condemning the alleged actions, Akshay Kumar, founder and national coordinator of the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan, said the movement had received support from a wide range of groups, including Congress, BJD, CPI, CPI(M), Kinnar Sangh, RTI Sangh, Parents’ Associations and other social organisations. He warned that the agitation would be intensified if the government continued with vehicle seizures and arrests.

Meanwhile, the BJD formally extended support to the bandh, terming it a farmer-friendly initiative that raises genuine concerns over irregularities in mandis and other challenges faced by the farming community. Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said farmers across the state were actively protesting and that the BJD would continue its programmes in their interest while appreciating the efforts of the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan.

Mohanty pointed out that farmers are facing serious problems related to seed supply, fertiliser availability and paddy procurement. He announced that, under the direction of party president Naveen Patnaik, the BJD will organise protest demonstrations in every district from February 2 to 17, culminating in a massive protest meeting in Bhubaneswar on February 24.