BJP Calls 12-Hour Strike in West Bengal Over Police Crackdown on Protesters
State Government Urges Public to Ignore Strike, Ensures Normalcy
The BJP announced a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal. The strike protests the police crackdown on demonstrators who marched to the state secretariat, ‘Nabanna’. The marchers sought justice for a 31-year-old doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata.
also read : Centre Slams Bengal: Fast-Track Courts for Rape Cases Still Not Functional
Key Points on West Bengal Bandh:
- Protest Against Police Action: The BJP called for the strike after police used lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse protesters on Tuesday. The protesters were trying to reach ‘Nabanna.’
- Protest Organizers: ‘Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj,’ an unregistered student body, and ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha,’ a dissident state government employees’ group, led the march. The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of backing the protest.
- Demand for Resignation: The protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They blamed her for mishandling the rape-murder case of the trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
- Clashes and Injuries: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed the police injured over 160 protesters, including 17 women. The police reported injuries among their officers as well.
- Call for President’s Rule: Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, urged Governor CV Ananda Bose to impose President’s Rule in West Bengal. He cited the worsening law and order situation.
- BJP’s Justification for Strike: BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar defended the strike. He said the “autocratic regime” ignored the people’s demands for justice. He criticized the police for targeting peaceful protesters advocating for women’s safety.
- Government’s Response: The West Bengal government urged the public to ignore the BJP’s bandh. Alapan Bandopadhyay, Mamata Banerjee’s chief advisor, assured that normal life would continue despite the strike.
- Government Offices to Remain Open: The state government announced that all offices would remain open on August 28. Employees are required to report for duty. Unauthorized absences could lead to disciplinary action.
- Trinamool’s Counter-Claim: The Trinamool Congress dismissed the BJP’s strike as a political stunt. They insisted there “will be no bandh” on Wednesday.
- Nationwide Outrage: The rape and murder of the doctor on August 9 sparked nationwide protests. Junior doctors across India have been refusing to see non-emergency patients. They demand justice and better safety measures for women in hospitals.
The bandh adds to the ongoing unrest in West Bengal. The public continues to demand accountability and justice following the tragic incident.
