The Bihar bandh sponsored by left parties' on Wednesday demanding the removal of Governor Buta Singh evoked a mixed response in Patna. Normal life was not affected much.

A majority of shops, banks and most of the schools remained open and trafiic on roads was normal. The reports reaching from different districts said that bandh affected life in some strongholds of left parties.

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The bandh called by five left parties including Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist (Liberation), Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Socialist Unity Centre of India and supported by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Samajwadi Party. But CPI-M is not supporting other left parties demand to recall Buta Singh.

The left parties  workers have  disrupted trains' movement at several places in the state and blocked road traffic, particularly national highways.

However, police sources said barring stray incidents of clashes and stone throwing by left parties workers the dawn-to-dusk bandh was reported to be peaceful till noon.

Police had arrested over 200 left parties workers and leaders across state.

The  left parties also want action against controversial Rashtriya Janata Dal Member of Parliament from Siwan, Mohammad Shahabuddin. The bandh, which is being supported by the SP, also protests against the alleged "loot" in the execution of the food-for-work programme.

Police patrolling has been intensified, particularly in and around areas housing central and state government undertakings. Security measures have been taken to ensure safety of public property, especially railways, police sources said here.

Medical services, water and electricity supply have been kept out of the purview of the bandh.