Visakhapatnam: Many join hands in support of Bharat Bandh

Visakhapatnam: Holding red flags and shouting slogans, members of CITU, CPI, CPM and other Opposition parties staged a protest in response to Bharat Bandh called by farmers on Tuesday.

Expressing solidarity with the protesting farmers, who demanded a repeal of the three farm laws introduced by the Centre, the trade unions joined hands to take part in the Bharat Bandh in Visakhapatnam district.

Traffic came to a standstill as roads at Maddilapalem, Gajuwaka, NAD, Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi, Kancharapalem and other areas remained chock-a-block with protesters.

At Rama Talkies, the Left Parties demanded closure of an automobile showroom. Responding to their demands, the uniformed staff not only downed the shutters of the retail showroom but also joined the protest, holding the red flags.

Though a number of shops, retail showrooms remained closed, in some areas such as Asilmetta and CBM Compound, the protesters demanded closure of shops and business units that were partly seen operating.

City Mahila Congress president Pedada Ramani Kumari, city Congress president S Venkateswara Rao, Congress state secretaries G Govind, S Sudhakar, among others took part in the protest.

Normal life was thrown out of gear as many, including representatives of Oil Tankers Association, AP State Lorry Owners' Association and auto-rickshaw unions took part in bandh in support of farmers.