Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: Normal life remained unaffected in most parts of Odisha today despite the 12-hour state-wide protest called by the five Left Parties and the Congress to protest the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. Vehicular traffic was normal in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and other parts of the State. All the business establishments and private organisations remained open except educational institutions. Government buses and other private vehicles were seen plying on the road. The protesters staged demonstration at various places. The activists of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) took out a procession from Master Canteen square in Bhubaneswar and demonstrated in front of the office of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Similarly, Congress leaders also held similar demonstration in front of the RBI. PCC president Prasad Harichandan and other top leaders took part in the event. Besides, the activists of the Left parties also held protest rally near Srimandir Singhdwar, Swargadwar and Marine drive in Puri. They demanded withdrawal of decision on note ban. The Congress also observed the Akrosh Divas in Cuttack, Balasore, Jeypore, Bolangir, Sambalpur and Rourkela. The Left party members also held separate demonstrations in front of bank branches and other government offices. Accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation, the Congress on Sunday had said it has not called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ or a countrywide shutdown on Monday but a ‘Jan Akrosh Diwas’ to hold protests against demonetisation.
Likewise, the Maoists also extended support to the country wide demonstration. The Malkangiri division of the outlawed outfit appealed to the people through a press release to support the move against demonetisation. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan took a jibe at the BJD-led government for indirectly supporting the demonetisation move. The BJD also reacted to Pradhan saying that school and colleges were shut down in apprehension of any law and order situation.
