Amaravati, April 16: Normal life came to a standstill in Andhra Pradesh on Monday as the day-long shutdown called in demand for the special status category to the state evoked near total response.
Shops and business establishment and educational institutions remained closed, while buses of state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) went off the roads in all 13 districts.
The shutdown has been called by Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samithi (The people's forum to fight for special status) and is being backed by opposition YSR Congress party, the Left parties, Congress and Jana Sena.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has been fighting for the special status and implementation of the provisions of AP Reorganisation Act, is not participating in the shutdown.
Leaders and activists of all opposition parties, barring Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), staged protest demonstrations across the state.
They took to the streets since early morning, raising slogans against the Centre for going back on the promise to grant special status and fulfil all other commitments made at the time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
The protestors staged road blockades and laid siege to APSRTC depots to prevent buses from coming out. The bus services came to a total halt in all three regions - north and south coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
Protests were held at bus stations in Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam and other towns across the state. Police arrested leaders of opposition parties at a few places.
Sadhna Samithi Chalasani Srinivas said the 'bandh' was in protest against the Narendra Modi government's refusal to grant special status.
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Jaiswal hits half-century as RR make 205/4 against Punjab Kings
Mullanpur, Apr 5 (PTI): Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a fine half-century and shared an 89-run stand with skipper Sanju Samson as Rajasthan Royals posted a steep 205 for 4 against Punjab Kings here on Saturday.
Jaiswal scored a 45-ball 67 studded with three boundaries and five sixes, while Samson hit a 26-ball 38. Riyan Parag then scored an unbeaten 43.
New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson (2/37) was the most successful PBKS bowler getting rid of both Jaiswal and Samson, who returned to lead RR in place of Riyan Parag in this match.
Earlier, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl.
Brief scores:
Rajasthan Royals 205 for 4 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 67, Sanju Samson 38, Riyan Parag 43 not out; Lockie Ferguson 2/37).
