The Opposition sponsored one-day bandh against power tariff hike evoked total response in the city on Tuesday. Wide spread protest and arrests marked the bandh. However, no untoward incidents were reported.
Normal life was hit by a statewide shutting-down following a bandh call given by the Opposition parties against the recent hike in the state's power tariffs. Shops and business establishments downed their shutters. Banks and hotels remained closed while educational institutions announced postponement of the exams.
The RTC suspended city and long distance bus services. The people solely depended on autos and private transport to reach their destinations.
However, government offices and public sector undertakings in the city reported thin attendance.
Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry members staged a protest on Bandar Road.
The traders in One Town, Besant Road downed their shutters voluntarily.
Activists of the Opposition parties—CPI, CPI(M), BJP, TDP, YSR Congress—reached Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) here even before dawn. They squatted on the highway and obstructed the movement of buses.
The opposition parties succeeded in obstructing the movement of buses from Vidyadharapuram, Autonagar and other depots in the city. The roads wore a deserted look.
The police presence in heavy numbers was witnessed at all important junctions in the city.
The Left party workers tried to gatecrash Sub Collector’s office in the afternoon. The police took about 150 people into custody, according to CPI(M) city secretary Ch. Babu Rao.
Mr.Babu Rao said that the government in an autocratic manner tried to crush the bandh with an iron hand, though there was a overwhelming response from the public.
