Hyderabad: The BC Bandh Telangana, demanding a fair share in reservations for Backward Classes, brought normal life to a halt on Saturday. Bus services stopped, shops closed, and commuters faced severe inconvenience across Hyderabad and several districts ahead of the Diwali weekend.
RTC bus services halted statewide
In Hyderabad, TGSRTC buses remained inside depots as protesters blocked exits at Uppal and Chengicherla. Demonstrations also erupted at Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) and Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). Protesters formed human chains and demanded immediate action on BC reservations.
Meanwhile, similar scenes unfolded in Warangal, Mahbubnagar, Nizamabad, and Vikarabad. BC organisations and supporters gathered at RTC depots, stopping buses from operating. As a result, inter-district and local transport collapsed across Telangana.
Commuters stranded as cabs charge double
Normal life in Hyderabad suffered heavily. Passengers waited at bus stops from early morning, unable to find public transport. Many relied on private cabs and autos, which consequently doubled their fares.
Officegoers and students struggled to reach their destinations. Moreover, long queues formed at metro stations and taxi stands as the bandh paralysed city movement. However, essential services such as hospitals and emergency transport functioned without disruption.
BC Ikya Vedika leads state-wide agitation
The BC Ikya Vedika, which organised the bandh, demanded 42 per cent BC reservations in local body elections. Its leaders said the agitation would continue until the government accepted their demand. In addition, they thanked political parties, including the Congress, BRS, and Left groups, for supporting the movement.
Police increased deployment around protest zones and key bus depots to maintain law and order. Consequently, no major incidents were reported during the day.