Pune has been called for 'bandh' (complete shutdown) on Thursday (January 29) as the city is mourning the death of Baramati strongman and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. From traders’ bodies to the market yard, businesses have decided to remain shut as a mark of tribute to Ajit Dada.
What Will Remain Closed in Pune Today?
1. Commercial establishments and shops
As per the decision taken by the Pune Traders Federation, all small and large shops, private offices, and trading centres across the city will remain closed throughout the day today. Following appeals by traders’ leaders Fattechand Ranka and Mahendra Pitalia, shops in central Pune as well as suburban areas have also shut down.
2. Market Yard and Super Markets
Ajit Pawar’s death has also impacted the agricultural trading sector. Pune’s Market Yard is completely closed today. The closure includes:
Jaggery-Bhusar Market: Bandh called by the Poona Merchants Chamber
Fruit, vegetable and flower markets: Trading suspended in the main market premises
Other sections: Paan Market, Banana Market, Cattle Market, Bhuikata Kendra, and the petrol pump section. Sub-markets in Moshi, Uttamnagar, Manjari and Khadki are also closed.
3. Government and educational institutions
All government and semi-government offices are closed following the holiday declared by the government.
Also Read | Ajit Pawar Funeral: Maharashtra Deputy CM Accorded Full State Honours Before His Last Rites (Watch Video).
4. Public events and ceremonies
Former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar’s Amrit Mahotsav programme scheduled for January 30 has been postponed. All press conferences, receptions and birthday events in the city have been cancelled with immediate effect.
5. Political offices and residences
Both the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) office and the Sharad Pawar group office in Shivajinagar remain shut. Tight police security has been deployed at the ‘Jijai’ residence in Bhosalenagar and the Baramati Hostel area in Gokhalenagar, where all activities have come to a standstill.
Life in Pune city has come to a complete halt today, except for essential services (pharmacies and medical). According to traders, this bandh is a big tribute to the work done by Ajitdada to resolve the problems of traders.