Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Wednesday announced a statewide bandh and a seven-day economic blockade after Dussehra in protest against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2026. The party said the dates and detailed programmes for both agitations would be announced later.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the newly constituted OPCC executive committee, which adopted seven resolutions on various issues. Party leaders also stressed collective action under the slogan, “Not me, but us.”

The Congress demanded greater clarity on the provisions of the amended MMDR Act, proper management of Odisha’s mineral resources and the resignation of Minister Nityananda Gond over the mining issue. The party has also been demanding withdrawal of the amended legislation.

OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das alleged that both the incumbent BJP government and the previous BJD government were responsible for the alleged exploitation of Odisha’s mineral resources. He said the Congress would continue to hold both parties accountable for their respective roles in mining-related matters.

The announcement comes amid continuing protests over the MMDR Act in the Odisha Assembly, where opposition legislators have demanded its withdrawal. The BJP’s Odisha unit has not yet responded to the Congress announcement.

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