Banks unaffected by nation-wide bandh

Banking operations in most parts of the country remained largely unaffected by the nation-wide bandh called by the opposition against the hike in fuel prices.

"Bank branches across the country are open," United Forum of Bank Unions' Convener C H Venkatachalam said.

However, there could be some disturbances in states like West Bengal and Kerala, he added. There are about 60,000 branches of various banks across the country.

According to a senior official of the Bank of Baroda, its banks branches are by and large functioning normally.
    
The opposition NDA and the Left parties have separately called for a Bharat Bandh today to protest the recent hike in fuel prices. Following the hike last month, petrol, diesel and kerosene rates have gone up by Rs 3.50, Rs 2 and Rs 3 a litre, respectively. Prices of cooking gas has risen by Rs 35 a cylinder.
    
Most of the opposition parties, barring the RJD, BSP, LJP and RLD, are participating in the bandh.
    
The participating parties are BJP, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party, JD-U, CPI-M, CPI, Forward Block, RSP, AIADMK, MDMK TDP, BJD, JD(S), AGP, INLD and the Akali Dal.