Chennai, Sep 10 (UNI) Normal life remained unaffected in
Tamil Nadu as the Bharat bandh, called by the major opposition
parties led by the Congress, to protest against the spiralling
prices of petroleum products, evoked little response on Monday.
Police sources said untoward incidents were reported in the
State as the dawn-to-dusk bandh, began this morning, with
16 organisations voicing their support for the shut down.
Police have made elaborate security arrangements in view of
the bandh across the state.
Reports from various parts of the State said normal life was
not affected in view of the bandh, with the government taking
all precautionary measures to ensure all essential services
reached the public.
Shops and business establishments remained open, buses and
public transport buses plied as usual, schools, colleges and
educational institutions, functioned normally.
All essential services like medical, electricity, milk and other
services were maintained as usual.
The State and Central government offices, banks and other
commercial establishments functioned as usual. The business
was also normal at the wholesale flower, vegetable and fruit
markets at Koyambedu in the city.
However, inter-state bus services to neighbouring states like
Kerala and Karnataka, where the bandh had its effect, was
operated only up to the Tamil Nadu border as a precautionary
measure.
The bandh brought together a large number of political parties
under the Congress’ umbrella.
Several associations, including the Tamil Nadu Sand and lorry
owners association also pledged their support to the bandh.
Almost all political parties in the State, except the ruling
AIADMK and the BJP, pledged their support to the bandh.
Apart from the principal opposition DMK, other parties including
the CPI(M), CPI, VCK, MDMK, Tamil Maanila Congress led by former
Shipping Minister G K Vasan, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Tamizhaga
Vazhvurimai Katchi, Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi and Social
Democratic Party of India pledged their support to the bandh.
UNI GV KSR0840