For political parties calling for a hartal or bandh is easy; it is nothing but arm-chair politics

The nation is witnessing the worst form of bandh and hartal on Monday, for the Left parties and the BJP have called for the bandh the same day. Although the parties have organised the agitation separately, the people are bearing the brunt of its cumulative effect.

Even the smallest of political parties can organise a hartal or bandh easily. A few workers can forcibly close shops, trade establishments, stop buses and taxis from plying services.

Now-a-days, even force need not be exerted, for the people themselves choose to remain indoors for fear of violence. No one is prepared to take risks, and it should be like that only. Why should the people walk into trouble, for no noble cause?

Actually, if the political parties, whichever these may be, should have taken out foot processions in each corner of the country to protest against the hike in price and to apprise the people of the ill effects. For making this a success a lot of ground work is needed, participation of the grass-roots level work is essential.

For calling for a bandh, nothing of the sort is needed, actually no effort is enjoined.

This sort of agitation is nothing but arm-chair politics, the leaders can gloat over it and the people should bear it.