Mixed response in Jharkhand

The day-long Bharat Bandh evoked a mixed reaction in Jharkhand on Wednesday, as several public buses stayed off the roads and schools remained closed.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has also cancelled his visit to Palamu on Wednesday due to the strike, an official said.

The state’s ruling alliance – Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal – have extended support to the bandh. The Left parties, too, have backed the strike.

In some parts of the state, workers of the alliance were seen taking to the streets in support of the bandh.

Schools remain closed in Ranchi and most parts of the state, while several long-route public buses were seen parked at bus stands, inconveniencing commuters.

“I had to go to Giridih today for urgent work. But buses are not plying. I had no prior information about this development,” said Vinod Rawani, as he awaited transportation at the Khadgarha bus stand.

Security has been bolstered at key locations to prevent any untoward incident, the official said.