Uneven response to opposition bandh call

The BJP workers stopped trains in Bihar and Samajwadi Party workers in Allahabad. But according to TV reports, the bandh has not affected Maharashtra. Schools and colleges are likely to be open in the State. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party has announced its participation while BSP has stated that it would not participate in the Bharath Bandh. Opposition workers have disrupted train services as part of a daylong strike to protest rising diesel prices and the government’s decision to open the huge retail market to foreign companies. Protesters carrying party flags blocked railroad tracks on Thursday in several cities and towns, including Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna. They’re demanding that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reverse the fuel hike and the decision on foreign retailers. The strike is expected to shut down schools, businesses and public transportation. It was called by the main opposition BJP, its allies and communist groups. Some of the government’s allies also are involved. Last week, the government announced it will allow foreign investment in retail and aviation and the sale of minority stakes in four state-run companies.