WEB DESK

The Centre asked all states and Union Territories to tighten security during Tuesday’s ‘Bharat Bandh’ while asserting that peace and tranquillity must be maintained on the day. In a countrywide advisory, the Union Home Ministry also said the state governments and UT administrations must ensure that the Covid-19 guidelines issued with regard to health and social distancing are strictly followed.

The Congress said the Centre would be responsible for any inconvenience caused to people during the ”Bharat Bandh’.

“The Modi government is squarely responsible for the current situation and it would be responsible for any inconvenience caused to the public during the Bandh tomorrow,” Punjab Congress President Sunil Jakhar said.

Transport facilities and supplies of essentials like vegetables and fruits are likely to be affected in Delhi on Tuesday as various unions and associations of cab drivers and mandi traders have decided to join the ‘Bharat Bandh’ strike called by farmers’ unions.

The Delhi Police said elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ and warned that strict action will be taken against those trying to disrupt the movement of people or “forcefully” shut shops.

Announcing their plans for the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday, farmers’ leaders said that they will occupy toll plazas at the borders of Delhi between 11 am to 3 pm.

While assuring that emergency services will be allowed during Bharat Bandh, the leaders have also appealed farmers to maintain peace and not to enter into any scuffle to enforce the bandh.

Meanwhile, the BJP accused opposition of “shameful double standards” as it claimed that parties like the Congress and the NCP had once supported what are now key provisions of the new laws.