Bharat Bandh: Striking trade Union workers set ablaze vehicles in Noida

In Mahrashtra, the financial sector was hit as bank employees joined the strike.

"We have received massive response to our strike call as operations in banks and insurance companies came to a halt," All India Bank Employees Association Vice President Vishwas Uttagi claimed.

There was little impact of the two-day strike in West Bengal.Shops and markets were mostly open in Kolkata.Private buses and taxis were less, though state buses operated normally.

Barring blockades at Hasnabad and Diamond sections of the Eastern Railway, train services were normal in Howrah and Sealdah divisions.

The West Bengal government had warned employees against being absent during the strike.The state government has also asked shops and markets to remain open or face administrative action, including cancellation of trade licence.

In Odisha, commuters faced difficulties in many parts as buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws remained off the roads leaving a large number of passengers, including women and children, stranded at bus stands.

Shops, markets, business establishments, petrol pumps and restaurants remained closed and roads wore a deserted look with thin traffic, official sources said.

Banks remained closed with employees picketing and demonstrating at different places.

Train services were disrupted by protesters blocking tracks at many places including the state capital of Bhubaneswar, besides at Cuttack, Balasore, Khurda Road, Berhampur and Sambalpur, railway sources said.

Normal life was hit in Left Front-ruled Tripura due to the strike. Shops and markets were closed, as were schools, colleges, banks and financial institutions.

Private buses and taxis

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