Markets, schools and colleges today remained closed in the city in response to a bandh called for inclusion of Meerut in the list of Smart Cities.
Shops in several markets kept their shutters down, while movie halls, medical stores, clinics, offices of gas agencies remained shut in support of the bandh called by Sanyukt Vyapar Sangh (SVS).
Most private schools and colleges remained closed and lawyers at the court also stopped work. Heavy police force was deployed in the city to avoid any untoward incident.
Describing the strike as successful, SVS President Naveen Gupta said the response to the bandh was good and it shows that people want Meerut to be developed as smart city.
BJP leaders also actively participated in the agitation as they were seen appealing to the people to support the strike.
Convener of the BJP Business Cell, State Unit, Vinit Agarwal Sharada, claimed that the name of Rae Bareli was included in the list to appease Congress President Sonia Gandhi. But the step-motherly of the state government toward Meerut won't be tolerated anymore.
As many as 13 cities from Uttar Pradesh are included in the Smart City list.
