What was intended as a peaceful statewide protest (bandh) by various political parties, demanding a 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local civic bodies, experienced minor disruptions due to isolated acts of hooliganism in Hyderabad.
Specific areas of Hyderabad, including Nallakunta, Barkatpura, and Abids, saw small groups of individuals on motorcycles attempting to enforce the bandh. They targeted a fuel station, an electronics store, and even a small eatery, insisting on their closure. Police promptly intervened, dispersing these agitators and restoring order.
Despite these isolated incidents, the bandh had a minimal effect on the broader civic life across Hyderabad and its districts. Private buses, autorickshaws, fuel stations, and most shops operated without significant interruption. The only widespread impact was the closure of both private and government schools for the day.
The most notable inconvenience was faced by those planning to travel to other districts for Deepavali. Passengers with Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bookings received messages indicating the corporation’s inability to run services during the bandh, leaving many stranded or scrambling for alternative travel.
TSRTC buses remained off the roads until noon, after which a limited number of services gradually resumed from various city depots. Hyderabad Metro Rail, however, operated without any hitches throughout the day.
Reflecting on the situation, Shankar, an auto driver near AAA Cinemas in Ameerpet, remarked, ‘With shops and restaurants open, it hardly feels like a bandh. In the past, such protests meant worrying about taking our vehicles out. Now, everything seems to be running, though we do see less business as some offices are closed.’