As many as ten trade unions observed ‘Bharat Bandh’ across the country on Thursday with its effect also being felt in Odisha. Members of the unions staged road blockades at various places in the State.
Protesting against various “anti-people” measures of the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre, the agitators blocked roads at different junctions in Bhubaneswar, Rayagada, Gunupur, Brahmapur, Sambalpur, Rourkela and many other places holding banners and placards. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the roads at the agitation places due to the blockades.The Odisha unit of the Indian National Congress extended its support to the bandh call.
In Bhubaneswar, the Congress took out a procession under the leadership of PCC president Niranjan Patnaik, MLA Suresh Routray and INTUC State president Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia from Raj Mahal Square to PMG Square.The trade unions demanded withdrawal of new agriculture laws and labour and education policies of the Central Government, cash transfer of Rs 7,500 per month for all non-Income Tax paying families and 10 kg of free ration per person per month to all needy, stopping of privatisation of public sector units.Emergency services were, however, excluded from the ambit of the bandh.