Bharat bandh partial, but normal life hit in many states

A nationwide bandh called by the opposition Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left to protest the central government's decision to hike fuel prices and to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail trade affected normal life in most pars of the country.

The response to the bandh call, however, was mixed, with massive protests in opposition-ruled states and a lukewarm response in Congress-ruled states.

In Mumbai and most of Maharashtra, however, the ongoning Ganesh festival marred the prospects of wider bandh.

Most services like buses and trains were unaffected by the strike. Venders were also carrying on business as normal in view of the Ganpati festival.

''Who would like to lose the once-in-a-year favours that Lord Ganpati brings for a Re1 or Rs2 gain on diesel price'', was the stock response of many in the city.

In the national capital, Delhi, a BJP-sponsored bandh evoked little response. Metro services were running on time. Autos and buses were operating normally though auto drivers at New Delhi Railway station staged a protest and refused to ply. State-run Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operated extra services.