BC Bandh brings Telangana to a halt; bus services disrupted across State

Normal life across Telangana was hit on Saturday as the BC Bandh called by BC Ikya Vedika demanding fair reservations for Backward Classes disrupted bus services and business activity. Protests were held at major RTC depots across Hyderabad and other districts.

Hyderabad: Bus operations came to a standstill in Hyderabad and across the State on Saturday as the BC Bandh called by the BC Ikya Vedika demanding a fair share in reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) brought normal life to a halt.

Except for essential services, most sectors remained closed in support of the bandh.

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In Hyderabad, TGSRTC buses were confined to depots, with protesters blocking them from coming out at Uppal and Chengicherla. Similar disruptions were reported from the united Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad, and Vikarabad districts, where BC associations and supporters staged demonstrations at RTC depots. BRS leader Srinivas Goud joined the protest in Mahabubnagar.

The bandh received wide support from political parties including the Congress, BJP, BRS, CPI, CPM, TJS, CPI (ML) New Democracy, and several social and community organisations such as MRPS, Mala Mahanadu, Adivasi, Girijana, minority and student groups.

Telangana DGP B Shivadhar Reddy urged all protesters to observe the bandh peacefully and avoid inconvenience to the public.

Diwali rush adds to commuter woes

With the Diwali festival coinciding with the weekend holidays, the Jubilee Bus Station witnessed a heavy rush as passengers thronged to travel to their native districts. Many commuters complained of severe inconvenience due to lack of prior information and delayed bus services.

Passengers, including families with children and elderly persons, were seen waiting for hours at the bus station, requesting the authorities to resume services at the earliest. A similar situation prevailed at the MGBS, where hundreds of passengers waited for buses to various destinations.

Those heading to Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Warangal, Vijayawada, Khammam, Siddipet, Suryapet, and Nalgonda faced major difficulties as buses were unavailable or delayed.

Cabs and autos charge high fares

Taking advantage of the situation, several private cab and auto drivers reportedly charged exorbitant fares. Passengers complained that private operators demanded double the usual rates for intercity travel and trips to neighbouring districts.