The bandh was called in protest against the price hike and the terror unleashed allegedly by the CPM in Nandigram.

While in Kolkata, four people were arrested on charges of creating trouble, 460 were arrested in the rest of the state.

Flight operations were normal at Dum Dum airport, train and bus services were also largely affected.

But as far as government buses were concerned, it was the decision of the transport department to run fewer buses. State minister for transport Subhas Chakraborty defended the decision, saying that bringing out buses during bandhs was not cost-effective.

In Kolkata, most offices, shops, commercial establishments and educational institutions remained closed.

At Writers’ Buildings, only 30 per cent of the employees were present.

The bandh supporters damaged one bus at Chetla and a media van at Lake Road in south Kolkata.

While Trinamool Congress congratulated the people for making the bandh successful, the CPM dubbed it “politically unsuccessful”.

“Our fight against price rise will continue. I know people have suffered, but they have come forward to support us,” said Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee at a rally in Hazra crossing.