Congress Backs Farmers' Bandh in Odisha Amid Rising Tensions

The Odisha Congress supports a state-wide bandh organized by the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) addressing farmers' issues, smart meter imposition, steep vehicle penalties, and employment scheme replacement. BJP claims the protest holds no real impact, labeling it a fake agitation aimed at gaining political traction.

The Odisha unit of the Congress has pledged its support for a state-wide bandh organized by the farmers' group, Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), this Wednesday.

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, Bhakta Charan Das, stated on Tuesday that the concerns raised by NNKS align with longstanding issues over which the Congress has been demonstrating across the state.

The NNKS protest demands include the payout of input assistance at state-run mandis and the removal of middlemen from paddy procurement. They also object to smart meter impositions on electricity consumers and severe penalties for vehicle owners regarding pollution certificates. The NNKS, led by convenor Akshay Kumar, aims to observe the bandh from 6 am to 2 pm, with essential services exempted. Meanwhile, the Odisha BJP dismissed the bandh's effectiveness, with spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra branding it a sham agitation to bolster political influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)