The BJD-sponsored Bandh-turned-Hartal was peaceful here. Though the party leadership had promised that no force would be applied causing problems to public but some deviation was marked in the steel city.
A section of party workers and supporters were in an aggressive mood.
They forcibly picketed at the Bisra Square in the presence of the police.
later, the Hartal supporters held Rail Roko at the local railway station for half an hour.
Amid confusion among the public whether it was a Bandh or a Hartal, the business establishments at Rourkela Main Bazar, petrol pumps, banks and schools were closed.
No effect was seen in the steel plant as the employees’ attendance was full. By 12 noon, the Hartal supporters were not seen on the roads.