Many shops remained open and those that were closed or forced to shut in some areas were also back in business by evening even before the bundh ended. People in general ignored the bundh. Several BJP supporters were seen forcing business establishments to down shutters.
Lack of bus services led to a holiday-like atmosphere. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) withdrew all services from about 10 am, which were restored only after 6 pm; the KSRTC, too, did not operate its services.
Losses
Both corporations have claimed estimated losses of Rs 7 lakh and Rs 6 lakh, respectively, because of damage caused to their vehicles.
Autorickshaws and taxis fleeced the public. Desperate people had to cough up fancy sums as there was no alternative. Those going to and from the airport and railway stations had to pay through their nose.
Some educational institutions were open and their students were the worst hit. Even hospitals reported a low intake in their casualty wards.
There were minor incidents of violence. The police arrested at least 500 people, who were released later. Section 144 will continue till Sunday midnight.
PC slams shutdown
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday justified Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj granting sanction to prosecute Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, reports DHNS from New Delhi. Chidambaram flayed the BJP for the shutdown and said he was “disappointed that the BJP has raised the decibel level and has taken to the streets’’.
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