Chennai bandh: Labourers feel the pinch

Chennai: Daily wage earners were robbed of their earning for the day as shops across Chennai downed shutters to observe the day-long protest against FDI in retail and diesel price hike. “We have been lying idle without any work due to the bandh,” said Robert, who pedalled his tricycle daily to ferry construction material and cement for hardware shops in Purusawalkam.

The load handlers in Koyambedu had to forego their day’s earnings as the market remained closed. “These bandhs are very bad for us. It denies us our daily wage,” said Saravanan. “I have been waiting for the whole day to get some order. I have none,” said Pandian, a rickshaw puller.”

Coconut sellers were also affected. “When the Tamil Nadu government is not allowing FDI in retail business, what is the need for the bandh,” a vendor questioned.

Shops across Chennai downed shutters to observe the day-long protest against FDI in retail and diesel price hike.

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