Bhubaneswar, February 12 Normal life was disrupted in Odisha due to a 12-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions over several demands.
The trade unions called the strike to protest the four new labor codes, which they described as "anti-worker and pro-corporate policies," and other economic measures.
Protesters from major trade unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, and UTUC, were seen picketing on all major roads as soon as the strike began at 6 am.
While the Congress and Left parties, along with their affiliated organizations and some farmer groups, have fully supported the strike, the state's main opposition party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), through its workers' front, "Biju Shramik Samukhya," is offering "moral support" to the strike.
Public transport, markets, educational institutions, and business establishments were affected as major roads, including national and state highways, were blocked.
The impact of the strike was felt in all major urban areas, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Berhampur, and Sambalpur.
Protesters locked the 'Ama Bus' depot at Master Canteen here, halting bus operations in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The vehicle carrying a groom heading towards Keranga village in Khurda district from Soro in Balasore district was stopped by protesters at Jayadev Vihar in Bhubaneswar.
"I had traveled over 120 km and all the protesters allowed me to proceed. However, my vehicle got stuck in Bhubaneswar. I appeal to the supporters of the strike to allow me to move forward," the groom said, appealing to the protesters with folded hands.
The vehicle was later allowed to proceed after he raised slogans in support of the strike.
Tyres were set on fire at major junctions as hundreds of vehicles got stranded on national highways. However, emergency vehicles, ambulances, milk tankers, LPG cylinder carriers, and other essential services were allowed to pass through.
The Odisha government issued directions to all district collectors and SPs to take preventive measures to maintain law and order during the strike.
Major government offices in Bhubaneswar functioned under tight security, with employees being asked to arrive at the office by 9:30 am.
Protesters also picketed at several railway stations, but there has been no news yet of any disruption in services, an official of the East Coast Railways said.