A 12-hour nationwide strike, called by central trade unions over several demands, disrupted normal life across Odisha. The unions called the agitation protesting the four new labour codes, “anti-worker and pro-corporate policies” and other economic measures.
Members from major trade unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, and UTUC, were seen picketing across all the major thoroughfares starting at 6 am, effectively bringing traffic to a standstill.
While the Congress and Left parties, along with various farmer organisations, offered full-scale support, the Biju Shramik Samukhya—the labour wing of the state’s main opposition, BJD—limited its involvement to “moral support” to the strike.
The strike’s ripple effects shuttered markets, educational institutions, and business establishments, as demonstrators blocked major national and state highways.
Significant disruption was reported in major urban hubs, with the impact being mostly seen in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Berhampur, and Sambalpur.
Protesters locked the ‘Ama Bus’ depot at Master Canteen in Bhubaneswar, successfully suspending bus services throughout the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The strike even caught up with personal celebrations as a groom traveling from Soro to Khurda was intercepted by agitators at Jayadev Vihar in the state capital.
“I travelled over 120 km, and all protesters allowed me to move forward. However, my vehicle got caught in Bhubaneswar. I appeal to the bandh supporters to allow me to move forward,” the groom said, appealing to the agitators with folded hands.
The vehicle was eventually granted passage, but only after the groom joined the protesters in raising slogans in favour of the trade unions’ cause.
Tyres were burnt at major junctions where hundreds of long-haul vehicles were stranded, though protesters made exceptions for essential services like ambulances, milk tankers and LPG carriers.
The Odisha government, meanwhile, directed district collectors and police superintendents to implement strict preventive measures to ensure public order.
Despite the chaos, major government offices in Bhubaneswar remained function under heavy security, with civil servants instructed to arrive at their posts by 9:30 am.
While picketing was reported at several railway stations, East Coast Railways officials said that train services remained largely unaffected during the initial hours of the strike.
