Title - Bharat Bandh: Road, rail traffic hit in Karnataka

Bangalore: The nationwide bandh called by the NDA and Left parties to protest diesel price hike, FDI in multi-brand retail and cap on subsidised LPG affected normal life in Karnataka. Shops and offices chose to remain shut and only essential commodities like milk and medical services are available. All schools and colleges were closed. Vidhan Souda, the Secretariat of Karnataka, wore a deserted look. However, Karnataka High Court and lower courts are functioning.

Buses owned by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation were off the road. Those who arrived by trains were stranded in the railway station. There were reports of some autorickshaw drivers fleecing commuters. Police are on a high alert to prevent any untoward incident. Electronic City, where many IT and BT companies are situated, also wore a deserted look. The IT companies have deployed Central Security Force personnel to man important infrastructure on their campuses. In Mysore, BJP workers stopped a Kannada film shooting in which Kannada actor Ramya, who recently joined Congress, was acting, police said. The bandh also affected normal life in cities like Mandya, Davanagere, Hubli-Dharwad, Shimoga, Tumkur and Mangalore. The bandh also received good response in Gadag and Bidar districts.