Bharat Bandh: Total, peaceful shutdown evokes good response in AP

Vijayawada: The Bharat Bandh was total and peaceful across the State with the educational institutions, commercial banks remaining closed and the APSRTC buses went off the roads voluntarily and shops and outlets downing their shutters, as political parties, people's associations, organisations, trade union groups and farmers' associations came forward to express solidarity with the farmers by extending support to the Bharat Bandh called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Monday.

Not deterred by the incessant rain that lashed various parts of the coastal districts, the protesters staged demonstrations before the bus stations throughout the State.

The activists of Congress, TDP, CPM, CPI, New Democracy, SUCI and other trade unions participated in Bandh taking out rallies raising slogans in favour of the farmers denouncing the black farm laws introduced by the Centre.

Jana Sena was conspicuous by its absence in the demonstrations though Pawan Kalyan announced support to the agitating people against the privatisation of Visakha Steel Plant.

Except emergency providers and establishments that offer essential services, all the firms, institutions and units were closed down.

The bandh received mixed response in Srikakulam district. The APSRTC cancelled bus services till evening in the wake of bandh. Due to cyclonic rains people movement was not witnessed on roads.

Tension prevailed at Koti Reddy circle in Kadapa town with the police restricting farmers headed by AP Rythu Sangam when they tried to burn the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ambani and Adani. During the scuffle between the agitators and the police AP Rythu Sangam district secretary G Chandra received minor injuries.

However, bandh evoked good response from traders in Anantapuram to the call of opposition parties in support of farmers' strike. All government and private offices, educational and other institutions, shops, industries and commercial establishments as well as public events in the district were closed.

The traders protested against the rising fuel prices, 'draconian' rules in Goods and Services Tax, as well as the rising power of foreign e-commerce companies in India.

Normal life was hit in Nellore district due to no transportation and people faced troubles at many places on the occasion of the Bharat Bandh called on Monday against the three controversial farm laws. The APSRTC employees started the bandh at the depots in all mandals from 5 am obstructing the movement of the vehicles.

They voluntarily stopped vehicles till 1 pm. The Left parties, TDP, AIYF, and people's organisations conducted rallies in Nellore city from VRC to Atmakur Bus Stand, and from Azad centre to Gandhi Statue. Activists staged a protest at the Passport Office. Mumbai National Highway was blocked at BR Palem when activists staged protests on the road.

There were no untoward instances anywhere and bandh went on peacefully.

The Telugu Desam leaders took out bike rallies in the town Kurnool. The leaders of CPM and CPI went around every nook and corner ensuring the closure of commercial establishments, schools and others except emergency services. Almost all roads in the district wore a deserted look.

No untoward incident was witnessed in the district. The police department as a means of precautionary measure has deployed an adequate number of police personnel across the district.