The Bharat Bandh called by the opposition on September 10th is the first major poll bugle blown ahead of 2019 elections. Congress President Rahul Gandhi took the opportunity to bring together some 21 opposition parties on a single platform to take on the Modi government over the rising cost of petrol and diesel prices. Experts say that the nation-wide planned Bandh was Congress’ way of showing the BJP that it can mobilise other opposition parties to take on the NDA government on issues touching the common man. Parties that extended their support to Congress include SP, BSP, NCP, RJD, DMK, TDP, JD(S), MNS, among others. The ruling party hit back at the opposition parties for “creating an atmosphere of fear” among the common people with the Bharat Bandh.