BHAWANIPATNA: Normal life was affected in Kalahandi on Wednesday due to the 12-hour shutdown call given by the Opposition Congress protesting the Centre’s alleged bid to shift the proposed rail wagon repair factory from Narla to Visakhapatanam in Andhra Pradesh.
Merchant association, truck and private bus owner associations, different trade unions supported the bandh demanding that the Ministry of Railways must reconsider its decision and allow the project at Narla. The agitators called upon the State Government to mount pressure on the Centre.
Vehicles remained off the road and all shops and business establishments were closed during the bandh. Banking and postal services were also paralysed and works in courts were affected. Due to picketing in front of offices, Government work was affected.
Addressing mediapersons on Monday, the AICC secretary, Bhakta Charan Das alleged lack of sincerity on the part of the State Government, the ruling BJD MPs and the BJP-led NDA Government’s lack of political will for the development of a backward region like Kalahandi.