First time after liberalization country witnessed almost total bandh which gained massive support from public. Deserted streets, closed markets, people confined to their homes all speak the success story of
the bandh. This bandh was manifestation of public anger towards the price hike.Importance of bandh could be gauged from couple of things. Voluntarily and spontaneous participation of the people expresses seriousness of the issue. Common people of this country who used to be reluctant to any political agitation especially after liberalization were not indifferent to the bandh this time. Actually, without public support such an effective bandh was not possible. On the other hand, ideologically polar opposites, BJP and left parties came closer for the common cause. Though sates ruled by NDA and left parties witnessed near total bandh, it is vital to note here that bandh call also evoked a significant response in several non NDA, non left ruled states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi.
Common man faces the worst hit of price hike. They are not able to manage their pocket. In such circumstances recent price hike of fuel product would alleviate the burden of already suffering people. Touching the nerve of common man and ill timing of price hike, opposition parties strike back to the government very firmly. Public anger against the failure of government policies to curb the price hike broke out in full swing during the bandh.
This bandh was a political need for opposition parties. They have already shown their hue and cry over this issue in the parliament. Now, it was term to protest on the streets. However, NDA and left parties strived to unite the whole opposition. But they failed to persuade the top brass of parties like RJD, BSP, LJP etc. These parties called bandh separately in their sates on another day. This actually is repetition of failure of opposition unity during the cut motion moved by BJP in budget session of the parliament.
The bandh certainly caused the inconvenience to the public by paralyzing their normal life. But it would be the misery of one day if government thinks to roll back of price hike and deregulation of price control of petroleum product. Meanwhile, ignoring the public mood government has denied to any roll back of price hike which eventually shows the apathy of government toward the plight of Aam Adami.
