How Did the Odisha Bandh Disrupt Daily Life Across the State?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On July 17, Odisha faced significant disruption as a statewide bandh, led by Congress and seven other political parties, was called to demand justice for a female student from Balasore. This protest resulted in blocked highways, halted train services, and closed businesses, impacting normal life across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Bandh caused major disruptions in daily life.
- Protests were led by Congress and other parties demanding justice for a female student.
- Transportation services, including highways and trains, were significantly affected.
- Businesses and educational institutions were largely closed during the bandh.
- Police intervention was necessary to control the situation in some areas.
Bhubaneswar, July 17 (NationPress) Daily life faced significant disruptions on Thursday due to a statewide bandh initiated by eight political factions, prominently featuring Congress. They demanded justice for a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who tragically passed away on Monday following self-immolation linked to alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member.
The Odisha Bandh severely impacted transportation throughout the state, as demonstrators successfully blocked national and state highways in multiple locations including Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Balasore, and Berhampur.
Numerous vehicles were halted on either side of the roads, leaving passengers stranded as they awaited the conclusion of the protest. Businesses, fuel stations, and schools in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Balasore remained shut due to the all-day shutdown.
Attendance at government offices also saw a notable decline on Thursday as a direct result of the ongoing protests.
Key party leaders, such as Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das, along with AICC in-charge Ajay Lallu, were actively involved in picketing activities in Bhubaneswar and other significant urban areas of the state.
Train operations faced severe interruptions, leading to growing frustration among the stranded travelers. Congress members, alongside leftist parties and various organizations, obstructed railway lines in numerous regions across the state.
Tourists stuck in buses and trains during the bandh voiced their strong dissatisfaction regarding the disruption caused by the protestors.
During the protests in Bhubaneswar, clashes erupted between Congress activists and law enforcement at Lower PMG.
The confrontation occurred when police intervened to prevent Congress protestors from surrounding the Chief Minister’s residence.
Many Congress leaders and activists were apprehended by police to manage the situation. Although the statewide shutdown concluded without major violence, some localities reported heated disputes and even physical confrontations between demonstrators and commuters on Thursday.
“Today, the Congress party, along with other factions such as the Left parties, Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janata Dal, is observing the Odisha Bandh to demand justice for women in the state,” stated OPCC president Das earlier.
Point of View
I must emphasize the necessity of addressing women's safety issues within educational institutions. The statewide bandh reflects the community's urgent call for justice and highlights the need for systemic changes in how such allegations are handled. We stand with the citizens of Odisha in advocating for a safer environment for all.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the Odisha Bandh?
The Odisha Bandh was triggered by the tragic death of a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who self-immolated due to alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member.
Which parties were involved in the bandh?
The bandh was initiated by eight political parties, prominently led by Congress.
How did the bandh affect transportation?
Transportation services were severely disrupted, with blockades on national and state highways, as well as significant delays in train services.
Were there any incidents of violence during the bandh?
While the bandh concluded without major violent incidents, there were reports of verbal and physical confrontations between protesters and commuters.
What was the response from the government?
Government offices recorded lower attendance due to the protests, and police were deployed to manage the situation.
