Normal life affected as Congress observes Odisha bandh

Bhubaneswar: Normal life was completely paralysed in Odisha as Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) on Monday observed statewide shutdown protesting against hike in fuel prices.

The Congress state unit observed 6-hour state-wide bandh from 7 am to 1 pm in protest against the consistent rise in prices of fuel and domestic gas.

Buses, trucks and other vehicles kept off the road following picketing by Congress workers on national and state highways.

In Bhubaneswar, the party workers led by MLA Sura Routray resorted to rail blockade at Bhubaneswar railway station.

However, all emergency services including ambulance, milk van, and marriage party vehicles remained unaffected in the state.

PCC president Niranjan Patnaik said the Centre and the state government are imposing unreasonable taxes on fuel, leading to a steep hike in other essential commodities.