Normal life was hit as the entire trading community including petty shopkeepers downed their shutters and joined the day-long bandh here, demanding separate statehood for Vidarbha.
Even the auto rickshaws kept away from the street. State Transport buses plied as usual, but schools and colleges remained closed for the day.
Addressing a rally, former MP Jambhuwantrao Dhote said development of Vidarbha was possible only if a separate state is formed and urged people to join the movement.
“Local leaders of various political parties have extended their wholehearted support to the agitation and we will not sit quiet any more,” Mr. Dhote said.
Former MLA Vijayatai Dhote when contacted said she personally supports the demand for separate Vidarbha. However, she abstained from the dharna under the leadership of her own husband and daughter on grounds that her Party (Shiv Sena) did not agree with the demand for statehood to Vidarbha.
