Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata:
In response to the police’s use of tear gas and water cannons on protesters during a march to the state secretariat ‘Nabanna,’ the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour bandh (strike) in West Bengal today. The bandh, which began at 6 am and will last until 6 pm, is a protest against the state government’s handling of a recent incident involving the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata.
Key Points on the West Bengal Bandh:
- Reason for the Bandh:
The BJP initiated the general strike following Tuesday’s clashes between police and protesters who attempted to march to ‘Nabanna,’ the state secretariat. The protesters, who were demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the brutal crime, were met with lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas from the police. - Protest Groups:
The ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ march was organized by an unregistered student body, ‘Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj,’ and a dissident platform for state government employees, ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha.’ The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of backing these protests to further its political agenda. - Police Action:
Senior BJP leader and State’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that over 160 protesters, including 17 women, were injured during the police crackdown. The police, however, reported that several officers were also hurt in the clashes. - BJP’s Demand:
Suvendu Adhikari has urged West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to impose President’s Rule in the state, citing the government’s failure to address the public’s demands for justice. - BJP’s Justification for the Bandh:
BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar defended the bandh, stating, “We are forced to call for this dawn-to-dusk strike as the autocratic regime is ignoring the people’s demand for justice. Instead of ensuring safety, Mamata Banerjee’s police are targeting peaceful citizens who only want a secure environment for women.” - State Government’s Response:
The West Bengal government has urged the public to ignore the bandh and maintain normalcy. Alapan Bandopadhyay, the chief advisor to Mamata Banerjee, stated, “The government will not permit any bandh on Wednesday. We appeal to citizens not to participate in it. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure that daily life remains unaffected.” - Government’s Stand:
A state notification confirmed that all government offices would remain open during the bandh. Employees, except those facing emergencies or who are on leave, are required to report for duty on August 28 or face disciplinary action for unauthorized absence. - TMC’s Criticism:
The Trinamool Congress has criticized the BJP’s bandh call, alleging that it is a political maneuver to gain ground in the state. TMC leaders have asserted that “there will be no bandh” and that the BJP is exploiting the tragic incident for political gain.
Nationwide Outrage
The rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor on August 9 have sparked widespread anger across the country. Junior doctors in various regions have refused to treat non-emergency patients, demanding justice for the victim and enhanced safety measures for women in hospitals.
