India bandh: Capital set to strike back

Brace yourself amid conflicting claims as Monday dawns. The combined opposition, which has called two separate Bharat bandhs — one by the NDA, the other by the Left — to protest the hike in fuel prices announced on June 25, insists it will bring Delhi, along with the rest of the country, to a complete halt.
The Delhi Police, however, insist Monday will be like any other. They will ensure roads remain open and traffic moves smoothly. The 500 odd markets in the Capital, taking no chances, have already announced they will stay shut. But most offices will be open, as will most schools, and public transport will ply.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg said, “We have made arrangements,” said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic). “Almost the entire force would be out on the road. We will keep the traffic flowing smoothly on all the major highways and arterial roads.”

BJP sources claimed 50,000 workers would be converging on the Capital to block roads and burn effigies of those they hold responsible for the fuel price rise.

“Blueline buses will operate,” said Shyam Lal Gola, Delhi Bus Ekta Manch spokesman.

“Though we too are affected by the CNG hike and by inflation, we will run the buses to ensure the public is not inconvenienced,” Gola said.

“We have not declared a holiday. Delhi Transport Corporation has assured us that the schools buses will function as usual,” said Sister Nirmalini, principal, Carmel Convent, echoing the position of most school principals.

A few well-known schools, however, are taking no chances. “The safety of the children is more important than one day of school,” said Jyoti Bose, principal, Springdales, Dhaula Kuan, justifying her decision to keep the school closed.

Amid traffic snarls caused by protesters, rains could make matters worse.