The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a 12-hour bandh (strike) in West Bengal to protest police actions against demonstrators marching to the state secretariat, Nabanna. This march was organized in response to the tragic rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
12 Hour Strike In Bengal On August 28
BJP’s Bengal President, Sukanta Majumdar, urged residents to join the strike, which is set to run from 6 AM to 6 PM tomorrow on August 28. He criticized the handling of the case and demanded immediate action from state authorities. The protest, known as ‘Nabanna Abhiyan,’ started peacefully from College Square in Kolkata, but escalated when protestors clashed with police near the Howrah bridge. The police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and batons to control the crowd. The area around Nabanna was heavily fortified, with roadblocks and barricades set up to prevent the march from reaching its destination.
BJP Leaders Accuse Mamata Banerjee
BJP leaders, including Shehzad Poonawalla and Amit Malviya, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of mishandling the situation. They claimed the government was trying to suppress the protests and protect the accused, which has led to widespread anger and frustration among demonstrators.
Disruptions In Kolkata, Protestors Clash With Police
The rape and murder of the doctor, who was on duty at the time, sparked outrage and led to protests across India. Activists and students have been calling for justice and demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The protests have also led to disruptions in Kolkata, with some schools and businesses closed in anticipation of the strike. The police have arrested several activists and set up roadblocks to prevent the protest from spreading. They have also used drones and heavy security to monitor and control the situation. Some protesters were seen throwing stones and clashing with the police.
TMC Accuses BJP, Calls Protests A Political Maneuver
In response, the Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal, has accused the BJP of trying to create chaos and unrest. They claim that the protest is a political maneuver to destabilize the state government. The Trinamool Congress has also alleged that some videos circulating online are part of a plot to incite violence. As the bandh approaches, the West Bengal government has stated that they will maintain normalcy and ensure public transport runs as usual. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for another day of demonstrations and potential clashes.