Maharashtra bandh: Shops shut till 4 pm, public transport to function

Auto, taxi drivers say they don’t want to risk any damage. Representation pic/Atul Kamble

The city is expected to see the impact of the statewide bandh on Monday, called by the MVA government to protest the killing of farmers in UP's Lakhimpur Kheri. Retailers have agreed to shut shops till 4 pm. Public transport will function, and schools said they don't plan to close, but there's some confusion in the absence of a government directive.

The MVA, the ruling alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, said the bandh has been called to show that the state is with the farmers of the country. As the essential services are allowed, the civic offices will stay open, but it is to be seen whether or not the employees turn up.

Shops shut till 4 pm

The Federation of Retailers and Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) was initially against shutting business for the day. However, late in the night, it was convinced by the state's three ruling parties to shut shops till 4 pm to support the cause.

The railways has beefed up security at stations and police have increased deployment across the city. representation Pics/Ashish Raje

FRTWA President Viren Shah said, "The FRTWA, after the request of the Shiv Sena and leaders of the other parties, has decided to keep shops closed till 4 pm in support of the bandh called by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in protest of the killing of farmers [in UP]. The order will be followed in all the areas of the city." The FRTWA had earlier in the day said that it supports the bandh in spirit, but cannot afford to take any more losses at present by closing shops, as business has just started picking up.

Public transports available

The bandh won't affect the public transport system, and trains and buses will run as per their regular timetables. CR and WR officials said additional teams of the RPF, GRP and Maharashtra State Security Force have been deployed to avoid any law and order situation. "About 600 RPF personnel will be deployed at stations in Maharashtra region across the division," said the WR.

Shiv Sena-affiliated trade unions had asked BEST employees to refrain from reporting to work, but an Undertaking spokesperson said, "Buses would be operated as per usual routine, but with protective grills and safety measures." MSRTC officials said they would also operate services, and has called for security to protect assets of the corporation. The city might see fewer cabs and autos, as the drivers said they would take out their vehicles cautiously, after assessing the situation, on Monday to avoid damage.

Schools won't shut

Though the city schools have decided not to close, there was still some confusion on Sunday in the absence of any official announcement from the state education department. "We are discussing with other schools from the area to gauge the situation. Since schools have just reopened, closing it again will only add to confusion, as we have now thoroughly planned the timetable for hybrid learning," said an administrator from a reputed school in the western suburbs.

CR and WR officials say trains will run as per schedule

A teacher from a Kurla school said, "Parents are calling to find out about the status. The school is going to remain open. Some organisations, especially those of teachers, are planning to support the bandh. But no school has announced their participation in the bandh."

Police deployment beefed up

Meanwhile, Mumbai police will deploy the maximum manpower on the streets on Monday to prevent any untoward incident, an officer said on Sunday. Patrolling will be intensified, the officer added.

"Three companies of the State Reserve Police Force, 500 Home Guard personnel and 400 men from the Local Arms units are already deployed as additional manpower for the ongoing Navratri festival security. But, keeping the bandh in mind, Mumbai police will use the maximum manpower to tackle any situation. Police bandobast will be (stepped up) on streets on Monday," the officer said.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday said his party would participate with full force in the bandh. He said it was necessary to wake people up against the "anti-farmer" policies of the Centre. Four farmers were killed on October 3 after vehicles carrying BJP workers mowed them down.

With inputs from Agencies