The INDIA bloc has called a 12-hour statewide bandh in Odisha on October 8 over three demands, including repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026.

OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das announced the bandh on September 29 after the bloc's "Parivartan Rally" in Bhubaneswar. He said the agitation would shut down the state from Bhubaneswar to every village.

The three demands are repeal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged SIR irregularities, and the resignation of Odisha's School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over errors in school textbooks.

Parties backing the bandh include the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP-Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party and RJD, according to IANS.

Das alleged the state government adjourned the Assembly session sine die fearing the bloc's planned gherao, though it was scheduled to run till October 3. He said thousands of workers would court arrest during the bandh.

Transport, markets and schools may face disruptions, while essential and emergency services are expected to run. The opposition says the mining law dilutes Odisha's control over its mineral resources; the BJP says it brings transparency.