The State Congress sponsored State-wide ‘Mahabandh’ called to protest cane-charge on the party workers on March 16 near the State Assembly evoked higher response from traders across Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.
The roadside eateries and vegetable vendors went about their business during the bandh. Commercial establishments across the State kept shutters down on a call given by Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) which had massively supported the bandh. Emergency services ran normally including medical shops remained open while schools and colleges also functioned normally across the State.
Since early morning, Congress workers in various cities and towns divided themselves in small groups and went about urging the shop owners not to open their establishments and cooperate in the Mahabandh. State Congress President Bhupesh Baghel had demanded that State Government fulfill its commitment with regards to opening of MGNREGS related works and ensure payment of Rs2100 Minimum Support Price and Rs300 bonus per quintal of paddy to farmers as promised by the BJP in its poll manifesto. Raipur city Congress Committee led by its President Vikas Upadhyay went about the city urging cooperation from traders in making the party’s Mahabandh successful in the city.