Puducherry Bandh Disrupts Life Amidst Power Sector Privatisation Protest

The day-long bandh called by the INDIA bloc in Puducherry disrupted normal life on Wednesday. The protest was against the hike in power tariff and the territorial government's move to privatise the power sector. Public services were hit, schools closed, and demonstrations led to numerous arrests.

Puducherry was at a standstill on Wednesday as a day-long bandh called by the INDIA bloc to protest against the hike in power tariffs and the privatisation of the power sector paralyzed normal life in the union territory.

All private transport services were halted, with government buses operating under police escort. Police presence was heightened in key areas. The usually busy local bus terminal and shopping hubs were desolate, as shops, vegetable stalls, and eateries in many parts of the town were shut.

In an official order, Director of School Education P Priyadharshini mandated the closure of all schools, excluding classes IX to XII due to mid-term exams. Hospital OPDs saw a lower turnout, while government offices reported normal attendance. Prominent party figures, including Congress and DMK leaders, were taken into preventive custody during demonstrations, and violent incidents were reported, including an attack on a government bus that injured a passenger.

(With inputs from agencies.)