Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the bandh called by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday to express solidarity with former chief minister Uma Bharti, under arrest in connection with a 10-year-old case of rioting in Karnataka, has been peaceful so far.

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Business establishments and markets have remained closed as BJP, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists take to the streets shouting anti-Congress slogans and burning effigies Sonia Gandhi.

There has been no disruption, however, in essential services like hospitals, milk and water supply and drug stores are open all over the state.

Financial institutions, government offices and private banks are also open.

Educational institutions have reported thin attendance, while some schools and colleges have declared a holiday.

Bharti was arrested on Wednesday in Hubli.

On August 14-16, 1994, way before the Bharatiya Janata Party came to hold the reins of power at the Centre, Bharti led an agitation and hoisted the Tricolour at the Idgah Maidan in Hubli, Karnataka.

Since the ground was disputed, and the BJP activists had defied an order banning assembly at the spot, a criminal case was filed against Bharti and 21 others.