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A day-long national strike ("Bharat bandh") took place throughout the world's second most populace country, and largest democracy, yesterday July 5.
From the BBC:
"Normal life has been disrupted in many parts of India because of a strike called by opposition parties against fuel price rises.
"The effect of the 12-hour stoppage was felt most in states where opposition parties are in power.
"Transport was hit and businesses and schools were shut in the financial capital Mumbai, Calcutta and Bangalore. . . ."
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Excerpt from the online version of The Hindu:
"The entire Opposition has called a national strike on Monday against the recent Rs 2 per litre hike in diesel prices and decontrolling of petrol prices that led to an increase in price by Rs 3.5 a litre.
"While stating that the increase in prices of petroleum products will naturally put some additional burden on the common man, Bajaj Auto chairman and Rajya Sabha member Rahul Bajaj said, 'I believe the government had no choice but to take this step, which was long overdue. Otherwise, oil companies would have been in serious difficulty.'
"He, however, said bandhs are against national interest and also cause serious inconvenience to the common man.
"'I can understand some protests by the Opposition parties to this step. However, I am against bandhs (strikes),' he added.
Agree or disagree with the strike, it was disruptive. Oh! that anyone in the U.S. could organize such a thing.
I emailed a few friends and colleagues in India yesterday and asked for their take on the strike. Here's what two of them say. Fascinating reading:
"Jag", an attorney in Pune (near Mumbai)
Dear R,
Thanks for asking. The strike was one of the ways of beginning a new political agenda and game by the policitical parties in India. Had the opposition party been in Government, they also would have been required to increase fuel prices. Its unfortunate that India has been heavily invested by corruption, bureacracy, redtapism, political unwillingness and lack of desire to create a new history. Nevertheless it's progressing...
Of course, compared to other countries Indian oil prices are high and so are the high taxation rates. The country is so vast and it requires resources including funds to run the administration and the only way left is to increase prices. Moreover, there is no second line which is competent to handle the scene on the field and everything is then left to the collective "misjudicial" judgement of the ignorant, half educated, egoistic & inheritant political leaders.
India is emerging as the land of opportunities but these rulers are unable to understand the waves of opportunities....
Regards
"Jag"
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And here's a totally different perspective from another friend, whose father is the spitting image of Gandhi (I'm not just saying that, Mr. Jhan, Sr., a retired businessman, has done appearances around India as a Gandhi impersonator and has even had a Gandhi cameo in an Academy Award-nominated movie).
"Jhan", a businessman in Mumbai
R.,
Yes who likes to pay more (for fuel)? Therefore I see complete solidarity towards the cause. It will have severe repercussions for the the political party in power (the Congress Party) in time to come. Even the untouchable towards each other (parties on) the left and the Bjp have come together. . . (just a few years ago) an unthinkable and unimaginable alliance. . . .
Cheers,
Jhan.
You see, we don't have the monopoly on drama.
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