THE CALL FOR State Bandh given by the Uttar Pradesh Udyog Vyapar Mandal in support of its 13-point charter of demands evoked a mixed response in Varanasi on Thursday.
Members of Varanasi Nagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal, led by its secretary Ajit Singh Bagga, took out a vehicle procession and forced the traders to shut down their establishments in various markets here today.
The agitated traders were protesting against the dismal power scenario in the city and exploitation of traders by the officials of trade tax and income tax departments.
A number of traders’ organisations such as Kashi Khadya Vyapar Mandal, Visheshwarganj Bhaironath Vyapar Mandal, Vegetable Oil Vyapar Mandal, Nichibagh Vyapar Mandal, Karna Ghanta Vyapar Mandal, Chandpur Vyapar Mandal, Durga Kund Vyapar Mandal and Badi Bazar Vyapar Mandal had extended support to the bandh.
However, a large number of business establishments remained opened in various localities today. and around 90 per cent business establishments were opened by their owners in the afternoon.