The bandh called by NDA and Left parties to protest the hike in petrol prices did not evoke much response in the national capital though party supporters blocked traffic in some places.
Small shops were seen open in many areas in the morning while commuters complained that there were less autos on roads as number of auto and taxi unions have joined the protest.
BJP activists led by Sanjay Joshi and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi led the protest in Delhi near Akshardham temple blocking roads this morning. The leaders and several activists were detained.
“The bandh shows the public anger against this government. This will be the last nail in its coffin,” BJP National vice president Naqvi said.
As there were less autos on streets, people chose Metro services and there was huge crowds at such facilities in Laxmi Nagar and Rajiv Chowk besides other places.
Police said the National Highway (NH-24) has been blocked and Delhi-Rohtak rail route has been choked by BJP workers. Buses of state-run Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) were on roads in large numbers.
In Delhi, the protest is also against the state government’s budget proposal to impose a five per cent VAT on CNG.
A senior police official said they have ensured that every major road has police presence. “We know there are a few protest spots. We warn people not to flout the law. We will take strict action against those violating law,” the official said.
