A call for Bharat Bandh on Monday has been given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a body of more than 40 farm unions spearheading the farmers’ agitation.
The Odisha Congress would support the bandh, said Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik. A decision to this effect has already been taken at a meeting of leaders of different parties at the Congress Bhawan here on September 15. Leaders of CPI, RJD, Samajwadi Party and NCP were present at the meeting. The State Gvernment has asked its employees of major offices in Bhubaneswar to reach office by 9:30 am on the day. Home Special Secretary Santosh Bala has advised the Secretaries of all departments to ask their officers and employees working at the Lokseva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and the heads of departments to reach office by 9:30 am to facilitate their smooth entry.
The direction was issued as the Government apprehends that the protestors might stop vehicular and rail traffic, close down business establishments, and picket Government offices, banks and educational institutions. As a precautionary measure, the front gates of the Lokseva Bhawan would be closed at 10.15 am and all the passage would be regulated through the rear gates. However, the connecting gate between the Red Building and the main Lokseva Bhawan would remain open.
The Government has also restricted entry of visitors to these above office buildings on the day. Persons having prior appointment and urgent meetings would be given entry passes on the recommendations of the department concerned by the Special Secretary, Home.
The visitors have to leave immediately after the meeting. All the employees have been advised to remain in their seats and attend to their duties without undue movement.