BC Bandh receives strong response across erstwhile Karimnagar district

The Karimnagar bandh for 42% BC reservations was largely peaceful, with strong public support. Sporadic incidents by CPI and CPM activists occurred, TGSRTC buses stayed off roads, and private operators hiked fares. Police maintained heavy security across the district

Karimnagar: The bandh called by various Backward Class (BC) organisations demanding 42 per cent reservations was largely peaceful across erstwhile Karimnagar district on Saturday, with only sporadic incidents reported.

The public and business community extended strong support, with many shopkeepers voluntarily closing their establishments. However, CPI activists damaged plates and other materials in a few hotels that remained open in Karimnagar town. In a unique protest, CPM activists performed the Shirshasana (headstand) yoga pose in front of the Karimnagar district headquarters bus stand. Effigies of BJP-led Centre were burnt across the district.

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TGSRTC buses remained confined to depots, causing severe inconvenience to passengers. Private vehicle operators exploited the situation, charging nearly double the normal fares, Rs 1,000 for Hyderabad, Rs 400 to Warangal, Rs 150 to Godavarikhani and Rs 100 to Peddapalli.

Left party activists staged a protest in front of Karimnagar RTC depot-I early in the morning, while members of various BC organisations moved through different localities, ensuring shops remained closed. Congress workers also burnt the effigy of the Centre at Telangana Chowk in Karimnagar town.

Police deployed heavy forces across the district to prevent any untoward incidents.