CHENNAI : DMK sponsored bandh hits normal life in Tamil Nadu. The DMK had called a bandh for Thursday to protest against the centre’s failure to set up CMB as per the SC order.

DMK working president MK Stalin claimed the strike was a success and said across TN over 10 lakh people were taken into custody.

All opposition parties, traders, youth, transport employees extended support to the strike that left many shops and business establishments closed.

Stalin has also called for an all party meeting on Friday, but this time no invite has been sent to AIADMK.

The all party meet will decide on the modalities of holding the Cauvery Rights Retrival March from Mukkombu in Tiruchirappalli district to Cuddalore.

People had actively participated in the bandh, Stalin said as they are concerned over availaibility of water.

Stalin also said, Governor Banwarilal Purohit was checking the misdeeds of the AIADMK leaders which is why he was holding meetings with officials in districts.

Stalin led a massive protest demonstration on Anna Salai leading to Marina beach and was arrested along with other leaders. Present with him was Tamil Nadu Congress leader S. Thirunavukkarasar.

Hundreds of protestors belonging to DMK, Congress, CPI, CPI-M, MDMK, VCK and farmers were also taken into police custody across the state.

In Chennai few buses were playing and even auto riskshaws remained off the roads. Suburban and long distance train services were also being operated as usual.

Protests were held at Salem and Tirunelveli railway stations as well.

As a result of the Tirunelvelli protest, the Chennai-bound Guruvayur Express and Trivandrum-bound Ananthapuri Express were delayed, according to the Southern Railway official.

In the hosiery town of Tiruppur, units were shutdown in support of the strike.

In Puduhcerry too, transport services were affected.

The Supreme Court on February 16 ordered the setting up of the CMB within six weeks, which the centre has failed to do and has sought more time citing polls in Karnataka.