INDIA Bloc calls for Odisha shutdown on October 8 over mining law and other demands

Opposition parties in Odisha under the INDIA Bloc have announced a statewide shutdown, known as a bandh, for October 8. The protest call comes after demonstrations were held in front of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Core Demands

Leaders are demanding the complete removal of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Amendment Act of 2026. Suresh Panigrahy, Secretary of CPI (M), stated that mineral-rich lands in the state are mostly home to tribals and the Centre should not take total control of them to help miners and industrialists. Bhakta Charan Das, President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, called the law an attack on the state's financial rights and stated that Odisha holds the primary right over its mineral deposits. Aside from the mining law, the bloc has demanded the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged flaws in the electoral process and voter rolls. Protesters also want the resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond. Congress leader Jayev Jena blamed the minister for chaos in the education system, citing textbook errors for students from Class 1 to Class 8, teacher shortages, and a lack of basic infrastructure. Finally, the protest includes a demand for immediate relief for flood victims. Constituents of the INDIA Bloc participating in this movement include the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP–Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party, RJD, and JMM.

Context

Statewide bandhs are a common form of political protest in India used by opposition groups to pressure governments on major policy disputes. Mineral-rich states like Odisha frequently see intense debates over who controls natural resources and local revenues. Public education issues and electoral oversight also routinely draw sharp political battles between ruling parties and opposition coalitions.