Normal life across 13 districts in Seemandhra region was affected on Thursday as a shutdown was observed in protest against the introduction of the AP Reorganisation Bill, 2013 in Lok Sabha to bifurcate the State, even as YSR Congress party called for a bandh on Friday.
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) did not ply buses in most places while educational institutions, banks, cinema halls and other business establishments remained closed.
Samaikya Rashtra Parirakshana Vedika gave the call for the bandh on Thursday.
A report from Anantapur said the district came to a standstill. NH 44, State and rural highways were blocked by the agitators. The report quoted a business owner, Kishore Kumar Reddy as saying that the Congress would lose deposits everywhere in elections let alone wining any seat.
In Kadapa district NGOs, YSR CP and TD activists enforced the bandh.
Human chainsThe protesters staged rasta roko, burnt tyres, formed human chains and raised slogans in favour of united State. Though educational institutions were closed, Intermediate students were allowed to appear for practical exams.
Samaikya vedika leaders claimed that the bandh was total in Srikakulam, while a report from Vizianagaram said it evoked a mixed response.
