The BJP-called hartal on Saturday was near total in Baleswar district with its effect witnessed in every sector. The main streets Baleswar town wore a deserted look.
Most of the schools and colleges were closed while the shops and other business establishments, including fuel outlets, downed their shutters. Banks, insurance offices and other financial institutions, ATM counters and Post Offices too were closed. The Government establishments were closed on account of the month’s second Saturday holiday. While buses, trucks and three-wheelers were off the roads, several trains were detained in different stations. Several other trains were controlled in different stations before their services being resumed after some hours.