The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour strike in West Bengal from 6 am to 6 pm on Wednesday to protest against police action against protesters who marched to the state secretariat Nabanna on Tuesday. The protesters were demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital earlier this month.
BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the shutdown was a necessary response to Mamata Banerjee’s autocratic rule. He accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of ignoring the public’s demand for justice in the case. Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has also condemned the alleged excessive use of force by the police against the peaceful student march.
The police used lathicharge, tear gas and water cannon. The protesters tried to reach Nabanna to demand the resignation of the Chief Minister.
Before the shutdown, Suvendu Adhikari warned that the BJP would bring the entire state to a standstill in a similar fashion. The BJP has also set up a helpline to provide legal aid to those arrested during the Nabanna protests.
In response, the ruling Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of taking advantage of the tragic incident to create unrest in the state. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh claimed that the bandh call shows the BJP’s intention to create unrest. He expressed confidence that the people of West Bengal will reject the BJP’s plan and ensure that normal life continues.
Meanwhile, the state government announced that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that the shutdown does not disrupt daily life. Mamata Banerjee’s chief advisor Alapan Bandopadhyay urged citizens not to participate in the strike. He said transport services will remain operational and shops, markets and other commercial establishments have been instructed to remain open. State government employees have also been advised to come to work as usual.
