Mysuru: The Mysuru Bandh call given by Samvidhana Samrakshana Horata Samithi, Urilinga Peddi Mutt Seer Sri Gnanaprakash Swamiji and various dalit organisations in protest against BJP leader and former MLC G. Madhusudhan’s alleged remarks against the Indian Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a panel discussion on Tipu Jayanti recently, evoked poor response in city today.

Shops, commercial enterprises, schools, colleges, public offices and all other establishments were open as usual.  There was no disruption in city bus service either. Buses from KSRTC Sub-Urban Bus Stand plied as usual, although some protestors tried to disrupt the services. However, the Police intervened and ensured the normal operations of KSRTC.

Even as the Police yesterday denied permission for the bandh, over 600 activists holding blue flags took out a rally from the Town Hall passing through K.R. Circle, D. Devaraja Urs Road, JLB Road, Ballal Circle and City Court Complex before reaching the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where they submitted a memorandum seeking the arrest of Madhusudan for his reported remarks.

As the rally passed through  Devaraja Urs Road, the activists forced the shops and commercial establishments to down their shutters.

Earlier, several activists of dalit organisations went around in two-wheelers on the main thoroughfares of the city in support of the bandh call.

Even as the rally was passing through Devaraja Urs road, local Corporator Prashanth Gowda, citing denial of Police permission for the bandh, objected to the activists forcing closure of the shops. The protestors entered into a verbal duel with the Corporator. However, the Police intervened and calm down the situation.

Barring this stray incident, no other untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the city with Police providing tight security.

City Police Commissioner Dr. A. Subrahmanyeswara Rao on Tuesday evening had denied permission for the bandh, considering it will affect the Law and Order situation and disturb the public and students.

Rao had also warned that the bandh will be considered illegal and stringent action will be initiated against persons or organisations who forcefully try to hold a bandh.