Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Odisha Announces Two Bandhs Over Mining Law, Textbook Controversy
Two groups in Odisha have announced separate statewide shutdowns.
The farmers’ group Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan wants answers about alleged problems in government textbooks.
It has called its bandh for September 30.
The Congress plans another bandh on October 8.
Congress is protesting changes to a mining law called the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
It says the changes could hurt Odisha’s mineral revenues.
Congress also wants two officials, including minister Nityananda Gond, to resign.
The Congress has additionally announced a seven-day halt to mining-related activity.
Shops and buses may be affected, but hospitals and other emergency services are expected to continue.
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee called a statewide bandh for October 8 over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
Congress is also demanding the resignations of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Odisha minister Nityananda Gond.
The Congress announced a seven-day economic blockade targeting mining, mineral extraction and mineral transportation across Odisha.
Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan called a separate statewide bandh for September 30 over alleged irregularities in government-issued textbooks.
Shops and private establishments may close during the shutdowns, while hospitals, ambulances and other emergency services are expected to operate.
- Who
- The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee and Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan announced the shutdowns; Congress also named Gyanesh Kumar and Nityananda Gond in its resignation demands.
- What
- Two separate statewide bandhs and a Congress economic blockade were announced over the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 and alleged textbook irregularities.
- When
- The NNKS bandh is planned for September 30, the Congress bandh for October 8, and the Congress economic blockade is planned for seven days; the announcement was reported as being made on Tuesday.
- Where
- Across Odisha.
- Why
- Congress says the MMDR changes could undermine Odisha’s interests and mineral-related revenues, while NNKS is seeking accountability for alleged irregularities in government textbooks.
- Congress bandh
- October 8, statewide
- NNKS bandh
- September 30, statewide
- Congress blockade
- Seven days, targeting mining, mineral extraction and mineral transportation
- Congress demands
- Withdrawal of the MMDR amendment and resignations of Gyanesh Kumar and Nityananda Gond
- NNKS demand
- Accountability over alleged irregularities in government-issued textbooks and Nityananda Gond’s resignation
- Potentially affected services
- Shops, markets, private establishments and public transport, including buses
- Expected essential services
- Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, fire services and other emergency services