BJP's shutdown causes loss more than Rs 2,000 cr

Bangalore, Jan 23: Traders' bodies in Bangalore have estimated the loss caused due to BJP's shutdown (bandh) on Saturday, Jan 22, would be more than Rs 2,000 crore. The ruling BJP had enforced the shutdown on Saturday to protest against the State Governor HR Bhardwaj's prosecution sanction against the Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.

According to Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) the worst hit businesses due to the shutdown were perishables. Most stores, malls and eateries were shut during the day. Transport operators also bore the brunt of the shutdown. Buses, cabs and other public transports were seen off the roads and the common man had to face hardships for mobility.

The Chambers put the loss due to the shutdown to be more than Rs 2,000 crore in the state. Apart from transnporters, loss of trading was reported in agriculture produce marketing committees (APMCs) and other trade centres. In Bangalore, Yeswantpur APMC was partly closed.

Traders there shut the business by noon due to megre buyers. Even foodgrain traders did not get buisiness as bus and other transport services were stopped. And googs transporting lorries did not operate due to the shutdown, according to the Bangalore Wholesale Foodgrains and Pulses Merchants Association (BWFPMA).

Bangalore was seen deserted though some stray incidents of stone pelting were reported. But police had taken into custody of 501 persons across the state for indulging in violence during the shutdown period. In Bangalore tens of BJP workers were taken into custody in areas like Banasankarai and K R Puram. Prohibitory orders have been extended till Sunday midnight, City police commissioner Shankar Bidari said.

OneIndia News