"We are not forcing anyone to take part in the bandh. Businessmen and people who want to participate in it are welcome. We are appealing for a peaceful bandh since day one," AICC general secretary and party's state in-charge Mohan Prakash told reporters here.
On reservations of the Muslim community over the bandh as it is going to affect their preparations of Eid, he said, "No Muslim leader has approached us complaining that the bandh was affecting their preparations of Eid."
"Please ask the state Congress chief Arun Yadav what they stand to achieve with the bandh ?" Aqueel told PTI when contacted for comment.
"Congress should have organised the bandh after Eid. At this crucial time we make purchases for Eid celebration," a senior Sunni Muslim journalist said.
He said the shutdown was just a day ahead of Bohra community Eid on July 17. Our Eid too is falling on July 18 or July 19, he added.