Mixed response to bandh call against fuel price hike

There was mixed response in different parts of the State to the bandh call given by the Congress and other opposition parties protesting the hike in petrol and diesel prices.

The bandh was nearly total and peaceful in the erstwhile united Warangal district, partial in Nizamabad and marked by novel demonstrations in Khammam district. It had little effect in the capital of Hyderabad.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed in Warangal. Congress workers came onto the road from morning and prevented bus services. Taking out motorcycle rally, they forced shut shops in the tri-cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet.

At Kazipet junction, Congress leaders organised ‘Vanta Vaarpu’ - cooking food on main thoroughfare - was held at Kazipet junction. “The Modi government at the Centre and the KCR government in the State are pally with petroleum companies,” the Congress leaders charged.

Film theatres suspended morning shows in Nizamabad while banks downed shutters Cinema theatres. The Telangana University had put off the exams scheduled for the day. Commuters had tough time reaching their destinations.

In Hyderabad, it was business as usual. There was little or no response to the bandh call. Managements of some private schools declared holiday. Public transport services were not at all affected.

Road Transport Corporation buses, the main mode of public transport, plied normally in all routes. Services of auto-rickshaws were also normal in all parts of the city. Metro rail continued its services.

However, activists of left parties organised demonstrations at different junctions in the city. Police detained them and shifted to various police stations. They were let off in the evening.

Leaders of Congress and other opposition parties were taken into preventive custody.