Kota: A call for ‘Bundi Bandh’ Tuesday by Samyukta Vyapar Mahasangh over poor medical services at the district hospital widened into a political storm. It exposed divisions within the ruling BJP.The shutdown was triggered by the recent death of local trader Ashok Gupta, allegedly due to medical negligence. A rise in maternal deaths last month also added to people’s anger.Legal work, except essential judicial work, also remained suspended in Bundi district court after lawyers extended support to the bandh.A day before the shutdown, Bundi district collector tried mitigating public anger by ordering principal medical official Dr L N Meena’s transfer to the joint director’s office. Dr Govind Gupta replaced Meena. The change, however, failed to contain the protest.Former three-time BJP MLA Ashok Dogra joined local traders and a section of party workers on the streets, demanding immediate administrative accountability, suspension of errant doctors and upgraded ICU and trauma care facilities.Dogra, on being asked about protesting his own party’s state govt, said, “The govt is ours, but sometimes you have to wake it up.” He also criticised rival leaders within BJP, accusing them of trying to sabotage the shutdown to display political clout rather than prioritise public interest.BJP city president Rajkumar Shringi, municipal council chairperson Bharat Sharma, police and Bundi municipal council officials toured city markets, appealing to shopkeepers to keep their establishments open. The conflicting calls created confusion in several areas.Business establishments in Indera Market, Nainwan Road and Old Grain Mandi Road remained closed till afternoon. Several shops on Kota Road, Khojagate and Sadar Bazaar stayed open.The agitation drew strong support from Congress. Congress district president Mahavir Meena and several party office-bearers marched with business owners and trade leaders.Sitting Bundi MLA Harimohan Sharma, in a video statement, endorsed the bandh and praised former MLA Ashok Dogra and the trade unions for raising a public welfare issue. He criticised local BJP leaders, including local body chairperson Bharat Sharma, BJP district president and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, for opposing the movement.Protesters took out a peaceful march through major markets.Police teams were deployed in sensitive areas across the city to prevent any untoward incident.
