Reports from different districts said the hartal crippled mobility of people as public modes of transport kept off the roads and shops and hotels remained closed. There was no disruption of rail traffic.
However, passengers who came by long-distance trains were caught unawares in many places as they found it difficult to get taxis or autorickshawas for their onward journeys.
Police said no violence had been reported from anywhere.
Pro-left unions in transport sector has extended support to the protest.
The state Human Rights Commission has warned the hartal supporters that cases would taken against them if they indulged in violence or attempted to forcibly close shops or caused damage to properties.
The hartal call was given separately by the LDF and the BJP.