NDIA Bloc Rally in Bhadrak Calls for Electoral Reforms, Farmer Relief

NDIA Bloc Rally in Bhadrak Calls for Electoral Reforms, Farmer Relief

CNB WORLD TIMES

Bhadrak, October 7: The INDIA bloc organised a large rally and protest demonstration in Bhadrak on October 6, raising a series of demands related to electoral reforms, farmers’ issues, flood relief and government policies.

The protesters demanded the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that his actions are against democratic principles. They also demanded changes in the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee.

The protesters called for the complete withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and demanded that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be replaced with ballot papers. They also sought repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, and resignation of Odisha Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.

The rally also highlighted issues concerning farmers, sharecroppers and families affected by floods. The INDIA bloc demanded adequate compensation for flood-affected families in Bhadrak district and sought a waiver of agricultural loans and moneylender loans for farmers and sharecroppers.

Rally Passes Through Bhadrak Town

The procession began near Shani Mandir Chhak on the Bhadrak bypass and passed through various parts of Bhadrak town before reaching the District Collector’s office, where the protesters staged a demonstration.

A protest meeting was held outside the Collector’s office under the joint chairmanship of District Congress President Nalinikanta Mohanty, CPI(M) District Secretary Dibyasingha Nayak, CPI District Secretary Shubhendra Pratap Mohanty and CPI(ML)-Liberation District Secretary Samar Bala. Congress leader Devarup Mohanty coordinated the proceedings.

Several leaders and workers of the Congress, CPI(M), CPI and CPI(ML)-Liberation participated in the programme. Former MLA Panchanan Mandal, senior Congress leaders Devendra Mohanty and Satyananda Raut, State Secretary Subhashree Behera, and senior CPI(M) leaders Radhanath Das and Vishnu Charan Dash were among those present.

Youth leaders, district-level office bearers and members of the Youth Congress also took part in the demonstration. Speakers criticised what they described as anti-people policies of the Central and Odisha governments and highlighted issues affecting farmers, workers and flood-affected people.

Appeal for October 8 Odisha Bandh

At the conclusion of the demonstration, INDIA bloc leaders appealed to people across Bhadrak district to participate in the proposed Odisha Bandh on October 8.

According to the organisers, the bandh call is intended to press for the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, electoral reforms and protection of the Constitution and citizens’ voting rights.

The demands and allegations raised during the programme represent the position of the protesting INDIA bloc parties.