As Andhra Pradesh continues to protest over the demand of special status for the state, Pratyeka Hoda Saadhana Samitih has called for a state-wide bandh. According to The Times of India, Opposition parties like the YSR Congress (YSRC) will also join in. Meanwhile, protests are being witnessed on National Highway 16 that connects Kolkata to Chennai. As per news reports, student associations are protesting in Vijaywada, urging the administration of municipal schools to be a part of the bandh. Vizag is observing a shutdown with shops being shut as trade unions are also protesting by being a part of the bandh. The Indian Express reported that Karnataka State Road Transport buses would commute only till Andhra Pradesh state border.
N Chandrababu Naidu, chief minister, said bandhs were not welcome as they hinder development, reported DNA. To which, Ambati Rambabu, political affairs committee member, YSRC said, “When Naidu was the Opposition leader, he had called for bandhs on many occasions, but as a Chief Minister he is now opposing them (bandhs), saying they hinder development.” Naidu will hold a one-day hunger strike on his birthday, April 20, to protest Centre’s ‘non-cooperation’ on the issue of special status.