The Hindu : New Delhi News : Bandh affects life in Delhi

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Saturday, May 03, 2008
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New Delhi

Bandh affects life in Delhi

Staff Reporter

Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

All closed: Handcart pullers taking a nap during the bandh called by the BJP in Delhi on Friday.

NEW DELHI: The nation-wide strike called by the Bharatiya Janata Party in protest against rising prices and inflation affected normal life in Delhi on Friday as most commercial establishments remained closed for the better part of the day.

To enforce the strike, party leaders and workers went about all major markets appealing to the traders to keep their businesses closed. The BJP leaders also held a protest demonstration at Raj Ghat to express their concern over rising prices and to empathise with the masses on the issue.

Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan, who led the protests at Vikas Marg, Mayur Vihar and Karol Bagh, said the bandh sought to draw public attention to the failure of the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre and the Congress Government in Delhi to curb the sharp rise in prices of almost all commodities.

Dr. Vardhan said the fact that on the day of the strike inflation touched its highest level of 7.57 per cent during the four years of UPA rule underlined the gravity of the situation. Asserting that the UPA Government had failed miserably in reining in inflation and price rise due to its faulty policies, Dr. Vardhan charged that the actual inflation was much higher at over 15 per cent and it was only through manipulation that the figures were shown to be low.

“The prices of 40 essential commodities have increased between 40 and 55 per cent,” he claimed, adding that the severe hike had impacted the kitchens and plates of the poor and the common people.

To ensure that the strike was successful, the BJP organised protests in all the 280 mandals that make up its 16 district units. Local party functionaries, MLAs and councillors went round enforcing closure of shops. While most shopkeepers voluntarily obliged, a few who wanted to open their premises also decided against it fearing violent repercussions.

The impact of the strike was almost complete in the wholesale markets of Chandni Chowk, Nai Sarak, Khari Baoli and adjoining areas where BJP general secretary Vijay Goel led the protests. He went round various markets on foot along with the area BJP leaders, workers and traders.

“They are all suffering due to high prices. A cup of tea now costs twice as much at Rs.5 and a plate of rice has become equally expensive at Rs.15. How then is the common man going to survive,” he asked.

The strike was successful even in colonies where shopkeepers kept their shutters down to avoid any harassment.

Saket MLA Vijay Jolly said the strike in his area was completely peaceful and a total success.

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