Shiv Sena announces there is no bandh in the city or Maharashtra today. However, major business establishments will remain closed.
There were a few hours of confusion on Sunday evening, even as Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray was laid to rest at Shivaji Park. There were rumours of a possible bandh today, but these were quashed by the Shiv Sena late Sunday evening. Hence, services such as milk supplies, chemist stores, newspaper deliveries and general stores have resumed as of this morning.
However, wholesale traders in the city called for a one-day shutdown of work as a mark of respect for Bal Thackeray. Said Arun Doshi, General Secretary, Federation of Associations of Maharashtra, “Wholesale trading centres, markets and business establishments will remain closed today.” Accordingly, wholesale drug dealers, chemical traders, jewellers, iron and steel merchants are likely to remain closed today. For a third straight day, hotels and restaurants in some parts of the city may also decide to remain closed today.
Apart from these, others will slowly resume work today, starting with autos and taxis, which have stayed off the roads since Saturday afternoon. Others to begin work today are retail outlets, malls, petrol pumps, schools and colleges. University exams will go ahead as planned today.
(Pictures courtesy www.maheshmahajan.net, www.bubblesbollywood.blogspot.com)