VHP bundh hits parts of Karnataka

The VHP's call for a nationwide bundh on Monday to protest the arrest of Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswati had no effect in most parts of Karnataka.

Barring some parts of Dharwad, Shimoga, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Mysore districts, the bandh evoked a poor response, reports received here said.

Stray incidents of stone throwing were reported in Hubli and Hospet in Bellary district, reports said.

Shops and other business establishments were closed in Mangalore, Udupi and Hubli where the bus services were also affected.

In Bangalore, the bundh evoked no response with normal life going on as usual with buses, three-wheelers and other modes of transport operating normally.

Business establishments remained shut and normal life was hit in Mysore in response to the bundh call.

Trade and commerce came to a standstill as shops, banks, petrol bunks and other establishments had downed shutters. All shops in the city's commercial areas like D Devaraj Urs Road, Sayyaji Rao Road, Shivarampet, Dhanvantri Road, K R Circle and other areas, including some parts of the extensions remained closed.

BJP and VHP activists went round the extensions prevailing upon the shopkeepers to suspend their business and support the bundh.

KSRTC had withdrawn its services and private vehicles were off the roads. Cinemas too remained shut.