Bharat Bandh call against release of Padmaavat evokes mixed response in Gujarat

Ahmedabad:

The Bharat Bandh called to oppose the release of movie Padmaavat evoked mixed response in Gujarat today where the cinema hall and multiplex owners have decided to not show the movie.

The state government which had to face embarrassment owing to ruckus by hooligans in Ahmedabad two days ago has as precautionary measures made elaborate security arrangements despite assurance by several Rajput outfits to not to support the bandh during a meeting with them yesterday. Over 25000 security personnel including more than 25 companies of para military forces and SRP have been deployed.

The ST bus services on several routes of North Gujarat have been kept suspended. Barring a few incidents the bandh was by and large peaceful.

A police official (reportedly PI of Sector 21 police station) sustained minor injuries in scuffle with bandh supporters in Gandhinagar who were blocking a highway. Police had to lob a few tear gas shells to control unruly bandh supporters on Modhera road in Mahesana.

At many places with dominance of Rajput community rallies were taken out by them and markets were closed. In one such city Bhavnagar even Muslim community people supported them.

In Ahmedabad especially in Western part of the city where during anti Padmaavat protests over 30 two wheeler were damaged or torched two days ago, the para military forces again staged flag march today and police organized foot patrol.

At several places the business community supported the bandh while at many others they did not take notice of it and opened their shops establishments as usual. At many places including Gondal crossing of Rajkot, Limbadi circle in Surendranagar, Golden crossing on NH 8 in Vadodara and Khambha in Amreli bandh supporters blocked the roads by burning tyres. However police removed the blockades later.

At some places petrol pumps, private schools etc also remained closed however in Ahmedabad and many other places it was business as usual for them today.

DeshGujarat