Aakrosh Diwas: Demonetization Protest A Dud?

The Indian National Congress' national Aakrosh Diwas taken up on November 28, against the Centre's move to demonetize the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, reportedly could muster little to no support from the Telangana public as life in the State went on as usual.

Despite the Left and the Opposition pushing for it, there was no shutdown, but only "Aakrosh" (anger) over the cash crunch following the note ban.

Confusion prevailed among non-BJP Parties with regard to Monday's agitation program, on whether or not a complete shutdown should be called. Though a call for Bharat Bandh (nation-wide shutdown) was given by Left and supported by a few other parties, several others dissociated with the bandh and decided only to register a protest.

Thus, with various Opposition Parties in a disarray over the action plan, there were only small rallies, dharnas and protest meetings in a few places, while several shops in Left-dominated areas remained shut, mainly out of fear of damage to their properties and possessions.

However the Telangana Congress, in tune with the stance taken by the Party's national leadership, observed Aakrosh Diwas in several parts of the State, including Hyderabad, by organizing dharnas and sit-in strikes outside banks.

Apart from this, senior Congress leaders led by Party chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy, staged a dharna before the RBI's head office at Saifabad and raised slogans against the BJP and PM Modi.

Congress workers at Dilsukhnagar observed a novel protest against the Union government and highlighted the plight of the common man by getting their heads shaved before a bank there.

The police made elaborate security arrangements to thwart any untoward incident with more pickets posted near banks. Several cops were patrolling in sensitive areas.

The police arrested agitators who tried to block roads and violated prohibitory orders.

The State reported the progress of rallies and dharnas in several parts of the State. However there was no major disturbance to the public at any region. Normal life, too, was not affected as shops and businesses remained open, though there were few customers. Hotels and cinema halls functioned normally but without the usual rush.