The bus stand in Vijayapura was almost deserted on account of the bandh on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Vijayapura bandh call given by AHINDA alliance on Monday seeking the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar was nearly successful.
Most of the private and State government offices and business houses remained closed. But Union government offices and nationalised banks worked.
Most vehicles, including buses, were off the road. The bus stand remained deserted. But petrol pumps and medical shops were open. A holiday was declared for government-private schools and colleges.
Areas like the Gandhi Circle, Central Bus Stand and K.C. Market, which always bustle with people, were nearly empty. Only a minimum number of autorickshaws and horse carriages transported commuters.
Activists took out a rally and shouted slogans against Mr. Shah. They demanded that he resign immediately for what they said derogatory remarks against the architect of the Constitution.
Earlier in the week, protestors prepared for the bandh by holding a series of meetings. They sought the support of various community organisations and associations. The organisers said that most of those associations supported them.
A committee headed by Dalit leader Raju Alagur gave the call for the bandh. On Saturday, BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi appealed to the Dalit community to call off the bandh saying Mr. Shah has not insulted Dr. Ambedkar.
Mr. Jigajinagi said that the Congress insulted Dr. Ambedkar by denying him a burial place in New Delhi.
Published – December 30, 2024 10:04 pm IST
