Markets were closed in major cities of Rajasthan and private buses off the road as the bandh called by the NDA against petrol price hike began on Thursday.

With trade associations extending support to the bandh called by BJP, markets in major cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur were closed.

"We have given support to the bandh call because the hike in petrol has hit the common man.We are also affected by the increase in petrol price so we extended support to the bandh call as a sign of protest," president of Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, Trilokchand Agrwal said.

He said no market in Jaipur will open on Thursday.

However, medical shops and emergency services are not covered in the bandh.

Suresh Saini, who represents M I Road market, said, "Strike is not a solution but a sign of resentment among people and businessman. The government should take a pro-people decision, not anti-people."

Autorickshaw and private mini bus operators are also participating in the nationwide strike.

A senior police officer said in the state capital that additional personnel have been deployed to ensure law and order situation in view of the strike.

The strike is peaceful and no untoward incident has been reported so far.