When a vehicle strike was announced for today, Malayalees were not surprised. In fact, they were waiting for one strike after the petrol hike. It is not because they wanted to go for a protest, but to enjoy a holiday at home. Strikes are the most celebrated festivals in Kerala. This time it is on a Saturday and after two days it is Bakrid. So altogether, it is very special strike.
Yesterday, the Calicut bus stand was really crowded. All the buses were full. Travelers were carrying big bags. All were really excited to reach home and have fun. Most of them were discussing their plans for this ‘vacation’. Not many are concerned about the reason behind the strike.
Petrol prices are increasing on a month basis these days. It is hard for the commoners to spend Rs.70/ liter. Government is not much fretful on these strikes because the authorities know it will last only for a day and from next day onwards, everything will be back on track.
In Kerala, political parties know that strikes are always celebrated. Any parties can call for a strike here. Public is ready to support and enjoy the day with family eating and drinking.
I don't think thats just restricts only to Keralites, all over India, it is so. People fret, fume, protest and next day they know they have no choice but to adhere and move on, tight their expenses more as the graph of desires keeps moving up.. sadly nothing can be done too..
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right...It is never the right way to protest.This is really a show off that results in huge economic loss.
ReplyDeleteWow so interesting post, i am not aware about Kerala strikes trend. thanks for aware me about this.
ReplyDeleteWell, we are ready to go on a hartal / vehicle bandh on the drop of a hat... It is high time that the Court banned these hartals just like the bandhs. Moreover, any economic loss sustained as a result of this should be compulsorily borne by the organizers of the Hartal. When the impact is felt on the pockets then, perhaps this will be less.
ReplyDeleteThe first outcry should come from the public...Only if there is a public movement against this,it can be uprooted.
ReplyDeletePeople don't care. The government doesn't either. Political leaders, even less so.
ReplyDeleteSome change is needed. Something to kick start s process of purging.
Exactly, that is what I keep saying all the time...
ReplyDeleteLol, Kerala and strikes, one cant live without the other it looks like.
ReplyDeleteNice, are you from Calicut? I am too, but settled in Bangalore.
Thanks for the comment Ambika..
ReplyDeleteI'm not exactly from Calicut.I belong to Wandoor, a small village in Malappuram.Nice to meet you :)