Mixed response to bandh call

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The Opposition NDA-sponsored Bharat Bandh evoked lukewarm response in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

Barring a minor incident of stoning buses in Kanyakumari district, normal life in the state remained unaffected.

The bandh, organised to condemn the steep hike of Rs 7.50 per litre in petrol price effected by oil marketing companies last week and also demanding a rollback, was supported by Left Parties.

Buses, autorickshaws and private vehicles continued to ply normally. State government offices and commercial establishments functioned as usual.

In the city, a large number of BJP members led by state president Pon Radhakrishnan and national executive committee member L. Ganesan were detained when they attempted to stage a road roko.

Over 41 persons under the Kancheepuram district president K.T. Raghavan were also detained when they attempted to stage a rail roko at Tambaram railway station.

According to sources, scores of BJP and Left party leaders were arrested when they attempted to staged rail roko, road blockade and protest demonstrations in various parts of the state denouncing the Centre for the unprecedented hike.

Eight buses including seven belonging to the TNSETC and one belonging to Kerala state transport corporation were damaged in Kanyakumari district when some miscreants pelted stone.

In the city, a group of BJP workers tried to burn portraits of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK had already staged separate demonstrations on May 29 and 30 condemning the hike.