Pune traders observe bandh; govt offices to function

Traders from Pune have decided to support businessmen in Mumbai by observing bandh on Monday as a mark of respect to Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, who passed away on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena spokesperson said that the party had not declared any bandh and therefore, schools, colleges and government offices will remain open on Monday.
The public transport system will also operate normally on Monday and rickshaw unions have also decided to ply rickshaws in the city.

Nitin Pawar, convenor, Rickshaw Panchayat, said, “We have not received any communication from any party about Maharashtra bandh. So, we have decided to ply rickshaws as usual. The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses too will run as per schedule.

The Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) has appealed to the trading community to observe bandh in the state on Monday.

The Poona Merchants Chamber has also decided to support FAM by observing Monday’s bandh.

Ajit Setiya, president, Poona Merchants Chamber, said, “We will keep the market open early in the morning only to sell off perishable items like vegetables, milk, etc. But apart from that we will not carry on any other dealings on Monday to pay homage to Balasaheb Thackeray.”