The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a 12-hour bandh (strike) on Wednesday from 6 am to 6 pm in West Bengal to protest against police actions during a recent march to the state secretariat, known as 'Nabanna.' The march was organized in response to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata.
The strike call comes after a violent confrontation between protesters and the police. The police used lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse those attempting to reach Nabanna on Tuesday. The march, termed 'Nabanna Abhijan,' was initiated by the unregistered student group 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and a dissident state government employees' platform, 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha.'
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of backing this protest, which demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the doctor’s rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Over 160 protesters were injured: Adhikari
Senior BJP leader and the State’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that over 160 protesters, including 17 women, were injured during the police action. The police reported that several officers were also injured in the clashes. Adhikari called on Governor CV Ananda Bose to impose President’s Rule in West Bengal, citing the government's alleged autocratic behavior.
Police are targeting peace-loving citizens: Majumdar
BJP state president and union minister Sukanta Majumdar explained the strike, stating, "We are forced to call for a dawn-to-dusk strike because this autocratic regime is ignoring the people's voices and the demand for justice for the victim. Instead of providing justice, Mamata Banerjee's police are targeting peace-loving citizens who seek a safe and secure environment for women."
Govt urges citizens not to participate in the bandh
In response, the West Bengal government urged citizens not to participate in the bandh. Alapan Bandopadhyay, the chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stated, "The government will not allow any bandh on Wednesday. We urge people not to participate in it. All steps will be taken to ensure that normal life remains unaffected."
The state issued a notification mandating that all government offices remain open, with employees required to report for duty on August 28. Those who fail to do so without a valid reason or approved leave could face disciplinary action.
The Trinamool Congress criticized the BJP's strike as a political move to gain ground in the state, insisting that there "will be no bandh" on Wednesday.
Shops in Siliguri closed
In response to the BJP's 12-hour West Bengal shutdown call, shops in Siliguri are closed and there is a heavy police presence on the streets.
The tragic rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor on August 9 have sparked nationwide outrage. Junior doctors across the country have refused to attend to non-emergency patients in protest, demanding justice for the victim and increased safety measures for women in hospitals.
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