Bharat Bandh, a flop show? Narendra Modi scores political points

By Sunday evening it was clear that the bandh would be partial, with almost no impact on the day today life.

New Delhi, Nov 28: The Jan Aakrosh Divas called by the Opposition over the demonetisation issue was already a "flop" show, even before it could have kick-started on Monday.

By Sunday evening it was clear that the bandh would be partial, with almost no impact on the day today life.

Initially, the opposition parties gave an impression that the day will be marked by nation-wide strike against Narendra Modi government's decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8.

However, as the day for the "bandh" came closer, most of the political parties--including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress Party--clarified that they did not support the bandh.

It seems only the left parties are keen on stalling normal life of the people.

The flip-flop by the opposition on its stand on the bandh has come as a major relief for the ruling BJP-led NDA government, which came under fire over demonetisation from its critics.

Moreover, the opposition's U-turn is seen as a major boost to the government's decision to go ahead with the demonetisation, in spite of severe criticism against it.

"All trade unions have hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move and declared that they would keep their shops open and pay no heed to the opposition's demand for 'Bharat Bandh' on November 28. The so-called Bharat Bandh has already failed," said Vijay Goel, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

OneIndia