Odisha Bandh Today, October 8: Timings, what's open, what's closed, who are protesting? Here's all you should know

Odisha Bandh Today: Odisha is observing a 12-hour statewide bandh today, October 8, after opposition parties under the INDIA bloc called for a shutdown over the amended mining law, alleged errors in school textbooks and concerns surrounding the electoral roll revision. The bandh began at 6 am and is scheduled to continue until 6 pm. The protest is expected to affect road transport, markets, educational institutions and some business establishments across the state. The Odisha government has directed district collectors and police officials to take preventive measures and ensure that essential services continue during the shutdown.

Odisha Bandh today: Who is protesting?

The bandh has been called by the Odisha units of INDIA bloc parties, led by the Congress. The participating parties include the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Samajwadi Party, RJD and JMM, according to reports.

The alliance has appealed to supporters to hold rallies, demonstrations, picketing and sit-ins while keeping emergency services outside the bandh. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), however, has decided to stay away from the October 8 bandh. The Naveen Patnaik-led party said it would maintain equal distance from the BJP and Congress.

Why is Odisha observing a bandh today?

The INDIA bloc has raised several demands behind the shutdown.

1. Withdrawal of MMDR Amendment Act

The opposition is demanding the withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. The parties have opposed changes to the mining law and raised concerns over the state's rights over its mineral resources.

2. Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

The parties are also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations linked to the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls. The issue has become a larger political flashpoint, with opposition parties also holding protests in Delhi.

3. Resignation of Odisha education minister

The opposition has sought the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged errors in school textbooks.

4. Relief for flood victims

The INDIA bloc has also demanded adequate rehabilitation and compensation for people affected by floods in Odisha.

Odisha Bandh: What's likely to remain closed?

The bandh could affect several parts of daily life, although the extent of disruption will vary by location.

Schools and colleges

Educational institutions may remain closed or suspend normal activities in areas where the bandh has a strong impact. The INDIA bloc has appealed to educational institutions to suspend normal operations during the shutdown. However, students appearing for examinations are not supposed to be stopped from reaching their examination centres. Parents and students should therefore check directly with their schools or colleges before travelling.

Shops and markets

Markets, shops and commercial establishments are expected to face disruptions, particularly in areas where protesters are holding demonstrations or picketing. The bandh organisers have asked supporters to persuade shops and businesses to remain closed rather than use force.

Auto-rickshaws

Auto-rickshaw services could be affected in several areas. The Bhubaneswar Auto-rickshaw Mahasangh has indicated that it does not want to risk operating vehicles during the protest because of concerns about possible disruption.

Public transport

Transport is expected to be among the services most affected. The INDIA bloc has asked buses, auto-rickshaws, trucks and other commercial vehicles to stay off the roads during the bandh. At the same time, the private bus owners' association had said before the bandh that its services would continue unless a fresh decision was taken. This means passengers could see route-specific cancellations, delays or diversions, even where operators have not formally announced a shutdown.

Are buses running in Odisha today?

The situation is not uniform. Ama Bus services are expected to operate, but routes may be cancelled or diverted depending on the intensity of protests. Private bus operators had also said they intended to operate normally. However, road blockades could still disrupt services in different parts of the state. People travelling by road should therefore allow extra time and check local transport updates before starting their journey.

What's open during Odisha Bandh?

Essential and emergency services have been kept outside the bandh.

These include:

• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Clinics and emergency medical centres
• Ambulances, including 108 and 102 services
• Blood banks and diagnostic centres
• Pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi Kendras
• Fire and rescue services
• Emergency police services
• Milk distribution and essential milk supplies
• Emergency electricity and water restoration services

The bandh organisers have specifically instructed protesters not to obstruct these services.

Will government offices remain open?

The Odisha government has asked district administrations to ensure the functioning of government offices and essential services. However, government offices could still see disruptions in places where protests, demonstrations or road blockades take place. The state has deployed police personnel and asked officials to maintain law and order.

Odisha Bandh: What about petrol pumps?

Petrol pumps and other commercial establishments could be affected by the bandh in some locations. Reports from Bhubaneswar indicate that several commercial establishments and petrol pumps at prominent locations are expected to remain closed. However, this may not apply uniformly across the state.

Odisha Bandh: What should commuters know?

The biggest impact is expected on road movement. Police have been deployed at sensitive locations, including highways, railway stations and other important points. In Bhubaneswar, around 100 officers and 18 platoons of police force have been deployed to manage the situation, according to the city police. Commuters should avoid unnecessary travel through protest-prone areas and check local traffic updates before leaving home. Emergency vehicles, however, are expected to receive free passage.