Early inputs from across the country showed a mixed response to the 'Bharat Bandh' call given by the farmer unions on Tuesday as no major disturbance has been reported from anywhere. The shutdown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. focuses primarily on "chakka jam" (no vehicular movement). However, its effect on the movement of vehicles is yet to be observed.
Various Opposition political parties have supported the strike. The morning peak-hour traffic movement was by and large normal across the country except a few states.
Delhi:
The national capital received a mixed response with most of the businesses and transport services remaining normal in the national capital. Some shops in mandis were operating. The usually crowded Ghazipur vegetable market also wore a deserted look as not many shops were open. Vehicles and bus services were seen doing the usual business.
Maharashtra:
A mixed response was observed in the morning, especially in urban areas. Shops and commercial establishments were open and traffic movement in major cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Kolhapur was normal, though farmer organisation Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana has announced road and rail blockades later. Wholesale markets remained shut.
Bihar:
Very few vehicles were seen on roads in state capital Patna on Tuesday morning. The RJD has appealed to his supporters to come out on the streets and support the farmers' protesting and many districts are expected to remain shut down in the state. Most people in Patna preferred to stay indoors, stepping out only for important chores.
Uttar Pradesh:
The state too witnessed a mixed response. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has said they will hold demonstrations at 65 points in Lucknow on Tuesday afternoon in support of the 'Bharat Bandh' call.
Hyderabad:
Bus services and transportation was stopped in the city amid growing support for the bandh. With the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) declaring total support to the bandh, it is likely to evoke good response across the state. Opposition Congress, Left and other parties, farmers' and people's organisations and trade unions are also backing the protest.
West Bengal:
The 'Bharat Bandh' called received partial response in West Bengal too with protesters burning the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some roadside businesses running. Tram and bus services were also disrupted as agitators staged protests on Tuesday morning.
Odisha:
Roads were deserted in several parts of Odisha as the farmers supported by different political parties and trade unions on Tuesday began holding protests as part of Bharat Bandh affecting public transportation. Vehicular movement on many routes was disrupted, movements on railway stations and bus stops were blocked with agitators burning tyres. The farmers and political activists also resorted to "rail roko", affecting the train movement in the state.
Also Read: Bharat Bandh: Resistance parties interrupt traffic in Patna
Tamil Nadu:
Normal life was not disturbed in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday with state transport buses plying, hotels and shops remaining open. Similarly, government-owned banks and insurance companies will be working as usual though the unions have extended support to the farmer's bandh call. Opposition parties affiliated auto-rickshaw unions have announced that they would be participating in the shutdown.