A statewide bandh called by the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) is impacting life across Odisha on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with transport services and routine activities disrupted as protesters mobilise to highlight grievances related to agricultural procurement issues. The eight-hour shutdown, observed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., has led to delays and interruptions in public and private transport, as many vehicles, including private buses, remain off the roads, and commuters face inconvenience at major terminals.
The bandh has been organised primarily to protest alleged irregularities in the paddy procurement process, including slow or mismanaged operations at mandis, concerns over token issuance and delays in farmers receiving payments. Protesters also oppose what they describe as excessive fines under the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) regime and arbitrary electricity tariff practices by utility providers, particularly Tata Power.
Political responses to the bandh have been mixed: the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have extended support to the agitation, framing it as a necessary step to protect farmers’ interests, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the movement, dismissing it as lacking credibility.
Despite the disruption in normal life, essential services such as healthcare and emergency response continue to operate, and major rail services are expected to run, though public awareness of school closures remains uncertain. Residents have been urged to stay informed and plan their travel accordingly as the protest continues through the afternoon.
The bandh underscores growing frustration among farming communities and transport operators over procurement policies and rural livelihoods, marking a significant moment in ongoing agricultural and economic debates within the state new as reported.
