RJD's Bihar shutdown begins

Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) began its state-wide shutdown in Bihar on Thursday to protest rising prices of essential items.

The party's dawn to dusk shutdown began on a peaceful note with no reports of violence, police officials here said.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad, party MPs and legislators were expected to lead protest march at different places in the state during the day.

The shutdown was supported by RJD's ally Lok Janshakti Party and the CPI, CPI(M) and CPI-ML.

In view of the shutdown, most schools in Patna decided to suspend their classes.

Lalu on Wednesday appealed to people, particularly businessmen, to support the shutdown.