Normal life was thrown out of gear for the second consecutive day on Saturday in Raipur as candidates went to file nominations in long processions. large number of commuters faced a lot of problems to reach their destinations. Vehicles remained stranded in the traffic snarls. In many places school kids had to bear the brunt of the jam.
Congress candidate for Raipur lok Sabha seat Satyanarayan Sharma, who is a legislator, on Saturday once again went to file his nominations with hundreds of supporters. His procession started from the Congress headquarters at about 12 pm amid beating of drum. Shouting slogans in favour of their candidates, the Congress workers waiving party flags marched on the road and reached at Kotwali chowk. From that place the procession reached the collectorate after passing through Malviya Road, Jaistambh howk, GE Road, Shastri Chowk and Collectorate Chowk.
During the procession all the roads witnessed traffic jam. People who were out on shopping were not even able to cross the roads in commercial areas like Gol Bazar and Malviya Road. Similarly, passersby had to wait for hours at Jai Stambh Chowk and Sarada Chowk. Traffic jam was also witnessed at GE Road. Patients and their attendants suffered a lot to reach hospitals.
Just before the procession of the Congress candidate, Aam Aadmi party candidate Sandip Tiwari also held a foot march from the protest venue. Tiwari, accompanied by hundreds of supporters who were carrying brooms and party banners, reached the collectorate after marching through Budha Talab, Bijali Office Chowk, Muncipal Corporation Office, Women Police Station Chowk and Moti Bag chowk.
During the procession, unusual traffic jam was seen in almost all the area through which they passed, putting the commuters to discomfort. Schoolchildren were also stranded due to the jam.