Odisha Farmers' Bandh on Wednesday: Traffic Disruptions Expected in Bhubaneswar
Traffic in Bhubaneswar and across Odisha may face significant disruptions on Wednesday as the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS), a prominent farmers' organisation, has called for a statewide bandh. This protest is aimed at highlighting alleged problems in paddy procurement and other grievances affecting the agricultural community.
Bandh Details and Impact on Services
According to NKS convenor Akshay Kumar, the bandh is scheduled from 6 am to 2 pm, during which farmers plan to demonstrate on roads. While railways and emergency services will remain unaffected, the organisation has appealed to business and commercial establishments to down their shutters in solidarity. This move is expected to lead to traffic snarls, particularly in urban areas like Bhubaneswar, as protesters take to the streets.
Key Issues Driving the Protest
Akshay Kumar outlined several critical issues fueling the bandh. Firstly, the government's failure to lift paddy on time has caused distress among farmers. Secondly, the protest targets what he describes as the loot of people, especially farmers, through the installation of smart meters for electricity. Additionally, illogical fines imposed in the name of pollution under check certificates have added to the grievances. These factors collectively underscore the farmers' demands for better policies and support.
Political Reactions to the Bandh Call
The bandh has elicited varied responses from political parties in Odisha. BJP spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra dismissed the protest, claiming it is planned by non-farmers. He asserted that farmers in Odisha are content with the Mohan Charan Majhi government, citing pro-farmer initiatives such as an Rs 800 per quintal bonus for paddy.
In contrast, Amiya Kumar Pattnaik, national coordinator of the All India Kisan Congress, the farmers' wing of the Congress party, expressed full support for the bandh, noting that farmers are in distress. Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty acknowledged the NKS for raising farmers' issues but stated that the BJD will proceed with its own agitation plan, including district-wise protests from February 2 and a massive demonstration in Bhubaneswar on February 24.
Broader Implications for Odisha
This bandh reflects ongoing tensions in Odisha's agricultural sector, with farmers seeking redressal for procurement delays and perceived injustices. As the protest unfolds, it may impact daily life and commerce, prompting discussions on sustainable solutions for farmer welfare. The involvement of multiple political actors highlights the issue's significance in the state's socio-political landscape.
