Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced a statewide bandh on October 8 to demand the withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, intensifying its ongoing agitation over the legislation.
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OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das made the announcement on Tuesday, saying the bandh would be observed across Odisha following a protest programme in Kendujhar.
Congress Seeks Support From INDIA Bloc Parties
Das said the party would continue its agitation against the amended mining legislation and appealed to constituents of the INDIA bloc, including the CPI, CPI(M), Samajwadi Party and other parties, to extend support to the proposed bandh.
“This protest will continue. On October 8, following the protest in Kendujhar, an Odisha bandh will be observed,” Das said while appealing to people across the state to participate in the programme.
The OPCC president reiterated the Congress’ demand for withdrawal of the amended MMDR legislation.
Agitation To Continue
The October 8 bandh is part of a series of programmes announced by the Odisha Congress against the MMDR Amendment Act. The party had earlier announced plans for a statewide bandh and a seven-day economic blockade after Dussehra as part of its agitation.
Das also alleged that the BJP-led government had betrayed the people of Odisha. The allegation is part of the Congress’ political opposition to the amended legislation.
The MMDR Amendment Act has emerged as a major point of contention in Odisha, with opposition parties, including Congress and BJD, repeatedly demanding its withdrawal and staging protests inside and outside the State Assembly.
Congress has maintained that it will continue its campaign until its demand for withdrawal of the legislation is addressed.