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Hyderabad: Road Transport Corporation buses remained off the roads across Telangana, while most shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed on Saturday as the statewide bandh called by the Backward Classes JAC and supported by all political parties received an almost complete response.
Normal life was affected in Hyderabad and other districts due to the bandh called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising 136 Backward Class associations in support of 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
State-owned Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) buses remained confined to the depot as leaders of backward class groups and political parties protested in front of the depot.
The suspension of bus services ahead of Diwali caused serious inconvenience to people in and around Hyderabad and other districts.
Rajya Sabha member R. The JAC, headed by Krishnaiah, has appealed to all sections, caste groups and political parties to support the bandh.
Krishnaiah, who is a BJP MP, described the bandh as non-political, aimed at demanding justice for B.C.
The JAC has exempted emergency services like hospitals and ambulances from the bandh.
Private educational institutions declared holiday, while government schools and colleges also remained closed.
Government offices were functioning as usual. Employees belonging to backward class community appeared on duty wearing black badges.
In a rare show of solidarity, all political parties, including the ruling Congress and opposition BRS and BJP, have announced their support to the bandh call.
Ministers and MLAs of the ruling party also joined the protests in different parts of the state.
Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) and Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) in the state capital looked deserted. Passengers were seen waiting for buses.
Backward Class JAC leaders protested near MGBS and JBS by playing games and singing songs. BJP MP Eatala Rajender and other party leaders participated in the protest near JBS.
Endowments and Forests Minister Konda Surekha participated in the protest at Rathifil bus stop in Secunderabad. He said that the Assembly has already passed the Backward Classes Reservation Bill, but the Governor has not approved it. He alleged that BJP is not serious about backward class reservation. He accused BJP leaders of doing injustice to the backward classes by filing court cases.
Telangana awakening leader K. Kavita led the protest at Khairatabad Junction in the heart of the state capital. He said that it is ironical that the parties which should provide reservation to the backward classes are participating in the bandh.
Police have made elaborate security arrangements across the state to prevent any untoward incident. Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in the violence.
The Telangana High Court on October 9 granted an interim stay on the Government Order (GO) that provided 42 per cent reservation for backward classes in local bodies. The Supreme Court refused to entertain the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the state government, saying it cannot interfere in the case being heard by the High Court.
–IANS