Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 : Congress Party-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition in Kerala on Tuesday called a 12-hour shutdown to protest the Left Government's apathy towards rising prices of essential commodities in the state.

The dawn-to-dusk shutdown called on the eve of the State Assembly's budget session to protest price rise amongst other demands began at 6:00 am.

Private buses kept off the roads and shops remained closed in Thiruvananthapuram.

Classes were not held in educational institutions and universities postponed examinations scheduled for the day.

"People are facing difficulties. The government is ignoring their issues, so people are voluntarily supporting that shutdown. The entire state is now paralyzed. This is a protest against the State Government's misdeeds and their non-functioning," said Ramesh Chennithala, President of Kerala Pradesh (State) Congress Committee.

UDF activists also took out protests in parts of the state shouting anti- government slogans.

The UDF had dismissed the appeals on the eve of the shutdown to withdraw the call with its convener P P Thankachan, saying the shutdown was aimed at safeguarding public interest. (ANI)