Poor response to VHP's 'bandh' in Pondy

Puducherry, Jul 3 (UNI) The 'Bharat Bandh', called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), evoked poor response in the Union Territory today.

Normal life was in no way affected, with all the shops and business establishments remaining open and all modes of transport on road. Almost all the schools and government offices functioned normally.

However, one or two schools remained closed today, unaware that the 'bandh' called by the students Congress here was called off last night itself.

Eventhough, the Students Congress had called for a 'bandh' today, it was called off last night, following the Lt Governor asking the Chief Secretary to go on a long leave.

The 'bandh' was to condemn Chief Secretary Rakesh Bihari for his alleged objectionable remarks against the Cabinet Ministers.

Meanwhile, 30 BJP workers, led by former party National Council member Swaminathan, who was recently expelled from the party for anti-party activites, put up a road blockade near Raja theatre junction and were arrested.

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