INDIA bloc announces Odisha bandh on October 8 over new mining law, other issues

The bloc demanded the repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, after protesters clashed with police near the Chief Minister’s residence

Updated - September 30, 2026 03:56 am IST - Bhubaneswar

Police stop BJD supporters during a protest rally outside the Odisha Assembly (OLA) against the MMDR Amendment (Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 2026 and demands the withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act over Odisha mining rights, in Bhubaneswar on September 28, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

Opposition parties in Odisha have stepped up their pressure over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2026 with INDIA Bloc on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) calling for Odisha Bandh on October 8.

The announcement for Bandh came amidst massive demonstration staged by Congress, all Left parties and other constituents of INDIA Bloc in front of Odisha Legislative Assembly here.

“The Bandh will be observed on demand for scrapping of the MMDR Amendment Act, dismissal Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, and immediate relief for flood victims,” said Suresh Panigrahy, Secretary of CPI (M).

Giving the call for bandh on October 8, 2026 at demonstration, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das said, “Odisha has the first right on mineral deposits and Centre cannot snatch the right MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2026. The Act is an assault on Odisha’s financial sovereignty. INDIA Block would continue to protest until MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2026 is completely repealed.”

Mr. Panigrahy said Odisha’s mineral bearing land are mostly inhabited by tribals and Centre cannot take complete control of those land in order to benefit miners and industrialists.

What is the latest Mining Amendment Act about? | Explained

INDIA Bloc leaders also demanded an investigation into the serious allegations of irregularities relating to the electoral process and electoral rolls and called for the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

They demanded that accountability be ensured in this matter in order to protect the impartiality, transparency and public confidence of the electoral system.

The issue which has been resonating in the State was hundreds of mistakes in school textbooks for students from Class-I to Class VIII.

“Mr. Gond must resign from his post for the chaos and mismanagement in Odisha’s education system. There is a conspiracy to weaken government education system. Shortages of teachers and lack of essential infrastructure, and the State Government’s neglect of the educational rights of students are reasons behind students turning away from government schools,” said Congress leader Jayev Jena.

The INDIA Bloc’s movement in Odisha includes the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP–Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party, RJD and JMM. (EOM)

Published - September 29, 2026 04:47 pm IST

Odisha / Bhubaneswar / protest / mining / law

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