📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Biswarup Ganguly
Politics
INDIA bloc announces Odisha bandh on Oct 8 to protest new mining law
✍️ thehindu.com
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 04:01 AM
👁 9
The INDIA coalition has scheduled a statewide bandh in Odisha for October 8, citing opposition to the recently introduced mining legislation and related concerns.
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of regional parties, announced a statewide bandh in Odisha slated for October 8. The shutdown is being called to protest the central government's newly introduced mining law, which the bloc says threatens the interests of local communities and the environment.
The mining legislation, passed earlier this year, aims to streamline approvals and increase private sector participation in mineral extraction. Critics, including the INDIA bloc, argue that the law weakens safeguards, reduces revenue for the state, and could lead to unchecked exploitation of Odisha's rich mineral reserves.
Authorities in Odisha have warned that the bandh could disrupt public services, transport, and commercial activity across the state. Police have been instructed to maintain law and order while allowing peaceful protest. The government has not yet indicated whether it will engage with the coalition's demands before the scheduled shutdown.
The mining legislation, passed earlier this year, aims to streamline approvals and increase private sector participation in mineral extraction. Critics, including the INDIA bloc, argue that the law weakens safeguards, reduces revenue for the state, and could lead to unchecked exploitation of Odisha's rich mineral reserves.
Authorities in Odisha have warned that the bandh could disrupt public services, transport, and commercial activity across the state. Police have been instructed to maintain law and order while allowing peaceful protest. The government has not yet indicated whether it will engage with the coalition's demands before the scheduled shutdown.