Bharat Bandh: Karnataka, Kerala, WB to be worst hit

The bandh is expected to evoke a mixed reaction and is expected to be total in the non-BJP ruled states. States such as West Bengal and Kerala are expected to witness a total bandh.

The opposition has called for a Bharat Bandh on November 28 over the demonetisation issue. The bandh is expected to evoke a mixed reaction and is expected to be total in the non-BJP ruled states. States such as West Bengal and Kerala are expected to witness a total bandh.

While all shutters are expected to be downed in the non-BJP ruled states, in Kerala the bandh will take the form of a hartal. In the CPM ruled state of Kerala it has been decided to exempt the banking sector, marriage functions, hospitals, milk and newspaper vendors from the dawn to dusk hartal. In Kerala, it has been decided to organise a picket march to the Raj Bhavan on Monday.

The situation in all other non-BJP states is likely to remain the same. Since there are many people outside the banks and ATMs, the banking sector is unlikely to be affected. Essential services too are unlikely to be hit. The state leaders feel that there is already a great deal of inconvenience being caused to the people and this bandh should not add to it.

In West Bengal the bandh is expected to be total. West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee has been spearheading the movement against demonetisation ever since the decision was taken on November 8. However in West Bengal too essential services and the banking sector is unlikely to be disturbed.

In Karnataka transport services are likely to be hit. KSRTC, BMTC and Metro services would remain suspended on Monday. The Karnataka Legilslative assembly too would not function on Monday. In some colleges the examinations scheduled for November 28 are being postponed. No decision on whether schools and colleges being shut or open has been taken as yet.

The central intelligence bureau reports that the bandh will be successful only in the non-BJP ruled states. In states like Bihar the bandh is unlikely to be successful as the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar has supported the move. The IB states that the bandh is likely to be most severe in West Bengal followed by Karnataka and Kerala.

OneIndia News