Political parties cause disruptions across India
Demonetization and its implementation continues to be vehemently opposed by major opposition parties. To register their protests on a national scale, Left-parties called for a 'Bharat Bandh' on November 28. Other parties disagreed with 'Bharat Bandh' but called for nationwide protests labelling it a 'Jan Aakrosh Diwas'. Let's take a look at how this is playing out across the country.
'Jan Akrosh Diwas'
It was earlier believed that the largest opposition party, Congress had called for a nationwide shut down; Congress however clarified and said today was 'Jan Akrosh Diwas' meaning "public outrage day" to protest against demonetization. Congress-led protests are being supported by other parties such as Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK and left-parties. 18 opposition parties organized protests against demonetization across India.
PM Modi mocks opposition; Opposition retorts
PM Modi lashed out at opposition: "I am stopping black money and corruption and some are giving call for Bharat Bandh. Should there be 'Bharat Bandh' or should route of corruption be blocked?". Jairam Ramesh of Congress retorted: "The country has already been shut since November 9, a day after PM Modi announced demonetization move, which is why we don't want a Bharat bandh."
Samajwadi party in UP protests violently
In light of Uttar Pradesh CM, Akhilesh Yadav's accusation yesterday that the Centre had made a mess of the Indian economy, SP workers took to the streets in Allahabad to protest; SP workers also tried to block railways lines in Lucknow. A short while ago, Samajwadi Party workers also torched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effigy in Allahabad.
BSP goes own way; JD (U) plays 'dual game'
Samajwadi Party's MP Naresh Agrawal stated that all opposition parties were united except for the Janata Dal (United); he accused the JD (U) of adopting a "dual stand". The Bahujan Samaj Party decided to pull out of Congress-led protests. Mayawati, BSP Party Chief, has virulently attacked the centre over demonetization but did not participate in today's nationwide protests.
Bandh shuts down Left-ruled states and Odisha
Everyday life came to a standstill in Tripura as the bandh called by Left-parties was complete: government and private offices, educational institutes, shops, businesses and trains were shut. In Odisha, the government shut down schools and colleges in response to the opposition's bandh. Kerala, ruled by LDF experienced a total shutdown: normal life was crippled and only private-vehicles were plying on the road.
Movement of trains affected in Bihar
Almost 15 express trains in Bihar state were stranded at various locations as workers and supporters of Left-parties blocked railway tracks in Patna, Bihar.
WB nearly unaffected; Telangana, AP see some disruptions
WB Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has been vociferous in her opposition against demonetization and has demanded a roll-back; however she refused to support the call for a 'bandh'. Mamata Banerjee's party TMC did however organize a massive protest rally. States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh saw only minor disruptions; some areas did see shops, educational institutes and business offices stay shut as precaution.
DMK leaders and Congress workers arrested
Protests led by DMK in Chennai led to arrests of leader MK Stalin and several other legislators were arrested by the police. Congress cadre protesting in Chennai and carrying out rallies in Jammu were detained by the police.
