In NDA-ruled Bihar, bandh supporters were seen forcing

traders to down shutters as markets and business establishments remained closed. Bandh supporters took the streets in Patna, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Madhubani and elsewhere in the state and raised slogans against the Central government. In Patna, private and government schools were shut as a precautionary measure. Train and road traffic was also severely hit in several parts of the state as bandh supporters demonstrated on railway tracks. In Congress-ruled Assam, long distance private buses were off the roads, though government buses ran, while shops were closed in many areas. Auto-rickshaws came to the rescue of commuters hit by difficulties in transport and students appearing for the high school and higher secondary examinations. Train services and flights were normal in the state. In BJD-ruled Odisha, shops, markets, business establishments, petrol pumps and restaurants remained closed and roads wore a deserted look. Banks remained closed with employees picketing and demonstrating at different places. Train services were disrupted by protesters blocking tracks at many places including the state capital of Bhubaneswar, besides at Cuttack, Balasore, Khurda Road, Berhampur and Sambalpur, railway sources said. Commuters faced difficulties as buses, taxis and autorickshaws remained off the roads leaving a large number of passengers, including women and children, stranded.