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Odisha INDIA Bloc Announces October 8 Bandh Over Mining Law
The INDIA bloc is a group of opposition parties in Odisha.
It announced a statewide shutdown, called a bandh, for October 8.
The group wants a new mining law repealed.
It says the law could reduce Odisha’s income and harm the rights of local people, tribal communities, and mine workers.
Protesters also want a state minister to resign over alleged textbook mistakes.
They are demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged election-review problems.
Police stopped protesters from marching to the chief minister’s home, and some people were arrested.
The BJP says Congress often opposes government plans and is acting to protect its own leaders.
The INDIA bloc announced an Odisha-wide bandh for October 8 to demand repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.
The alliance also sought Odisha minister Nityananda Gond’s resignation over alleged textbook errors.
Protesters demanded the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged SIR irregularities.
Demonstrators clashed with police near Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence, with some arrested.
The BJP accused Congress of opposing government initiatives and protecting leaders’ interests.
- Who
- The INDIA bloc, including Congress, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP, Samajwadi Party and RJD, announced the protest; the BJP criticised it.
- What
- The alliance announced an Odisha bandh for October 8 and demanded repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, along with two resignations and action against the chief election commissioner.
- Where
- The demonstration took place near Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence in Bhubaneswar, with further protests planned in Keonjhar and mining belts.
- When
- The demonstration took place on September 29; a protest in Keonjhar is planned for October 7 and the statewide bandh for October 8.
- Why
- The INDIA bloc says the mining law threatens Odisha’s mineral rights, revenue, environment, tribal rights and local livelihoods, and it also objects to alleged textbook errors and SIR irregularities.
INDIA Bloc’s Position
BJP’s Position
Mining law
INDIA Bloc’s Position
The alliance demands repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, saying it threatens Odisha’s mineral rights, financial autonomy, natural resources and local livelihoods.
BJP’s Position
The BJP says Congress has a pattern of opposing government initiatives and has previously opposed mining reforms.
Protest motivation
INDIA Bloc’s Position
The INDIA bloc says it is defending Odisha’s economic interests, water, forests, land, tribal rights and mine workers.
BJP’s Position
BJP leaders allege Congress is raising the issue to protect the interests of its leaders, claiming earlier mines were distributed among Congress leaders and their families.
Political accountability
INDIA Bloc’s Position
The alliance demands the resignation of Nityananda Gond over alleged school textbook errors and action against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged SIR irregularities.
BJP’s Position
The BJP’s criticism focused on Congress’s opposition to government initiatives and did not endorse these demands.
Key facts
- Bandh date
- October 8
- Mining protest
- A demonstration is planned in mineral-rich Keonjhar on October 7.
- Main demand
- Repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
- Additional demands
- Resignation of Minister Nityananda Gond and resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Protest location
- Near Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence in Bhubaneswar.
- Economic claim
- The INDIA bloc claims Odisha could lose around Rs 1 lakh crore and Rs 12,000 crore annually under the new mining law.
- Police action
- Some protesters were arrested or taken into custody after allegedly breaking barricades or violating the law.
Quotes
Suresh Chandra Panigrahy
CPI(M) Odisha state secretary
“The BJP government adjourned the Assembly sine die instead of answering our questions on the MMDR Bill, ‘vote chori’ and CEC Gyanesh Kumar. But they can’t adjourn the people’s questions. We are staging agitation before the CM’s residence”
theprint.in
“The principal demands of the protest are repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, protection of Odisha’s mineral rights and financial autonomy, and safeguarding the state’s mineral resources from corporate plunder”
theprint.in
Sources
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