Kerala's 100th hartal this year: UDF calls for shutdown over fuel prices

BJP has called the most number of hartals in Kerala this year with 38 in total

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has called for a day-long shutdown in Kerala marking the 100th such hartal for the year. Shops and establishments in Thiruvananthapuram remained shut on Monday morning with the UDF calling for a hartal over rising fuel prices.

Kerala has seen 100 hartals including Monday's UDF call for a strike this year alone. According to statistics, compiled by an organization 'Say No To Hartal' based on media reports of such strikes, this is the 100th such hartal in 2017. According to compiled data 100 hartals including two statewide blockades have taken place in Kerala this year.

"According to the state government's own estimate, one statewide bandh causes losses of Rs 900 crore. District level shutdowns cause lesser damage but they are nonetheless human rights violation. We are fighting against the violation of rights," said Raju Nair, the Convener of Say No To Hartal organization.

21 hartals were reported in the month of June, the highest in any month. 19 strikes were called in July and 17 in January. Most hartals have been called over political violence. Kerala has seen a spate of political killings and attacks with casualties inflicted upon cadres of RSS-BJP as well as the left parties. Kannur, especially, has been the hotbed of political killings. An RSS worker was assaulted as recently as Sunday in the state where the BJP held a 'Jan Suraksha Yatra' over political violence.

Incidentally, out of the 100 hartals, the BJP has called for the most number with 38. The CPM and UDF have called for 14 hartals each. Traders' organizations, transport organizations etc have also called for strikes this year.

OneIndia News