An Odisha Bandh called by the Congress on Monday against the rising prices of petrol, diesel and LPG gas primarily affected vehicular movements across the State.
Holding party flags and banners, Congress workers blocked roads at various junctions disrupting vehicular movements. Vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the roads.Emergency services including ambulance, vehicles carrying milk, media and examinees were exempted from purview of shutdown. Buses were off roads as the Bus Owners’ Association had decided to suspend services from 6 am to 1 pm.
Movement of trains was temporarily affected as Congress leaders and workers staged rail roko at various railway stations in State. Passengers after de-boarding at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar waited at airport as they couldn’t find taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach their destinations.
Most of shops and other business establishments across State remained closed during bandh period.The would have its impact on Centre, said senior ruling BJD MLA Amar Satpathy while reacting on shutdown called by Congress over steep rise in fuel prices.“The rising fuel prices are a common man’s problem. But Central Government’s sole intention is to ensure profit to private oil companies by not putting a cap on the prices,” he alleged.
However, BJP State spokesperson Lekhasri Samantsinghar denounced bandh and said Congress’ vote share has diminished in State as it has lost its relevance.
She alleged that BJD helped Congress in bandh as State Government declared closure of educational institutions on day.