West Bengal Erupts in Tension: BJP's 12-Hour Bandh Shakes Daily Life Amid Protests and Chaos

A 12-hour shutdown was called by the BJP in West Bengal to protest the alleged police mishandling during a demonstration.

BJP’s Protest and the State's Response

A 12-hour shutdown was called by the BJP in West Bengal to protest the alleged police mishandling during a demonstration. This protest was linked to the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College. The bandh had a mixed impact on daily life across the state.

Impact on Kolkata’s Daily Life

In Kolkata, the usual weekday hustle was notably absent. Public transport, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, operated in reduced numbers, while private vehicles were few. Despite this, markets, shops, schools, and colleges remained open, although some private offices saw lower attendance, with employees opting to work from home.

Chaos on the Streets of Kolkata

The shutdown followed a protest rally in Kolkata that escalated into violence. The rally, part of the 'Nabanna Abhiyan,' aimed to march towards the state secretariat in protest of the doctor’s murder. The situation led to BJP's call for a statewide bandh.

TMC Stages Counter-Protest

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers staged protests against the BJP's bandh call, accusing the party of causing unnecessary disruptions. TMC leader Narayan Ghosh stated that BJP's actions were aimed at causing hardship for the common people, reiterating that the people stood with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Security Measures Tightened

In anticipation of further unrest, security was heightened across the state, particularly in Kolkata. Bus drivers and conductors in government transport were seen wearing helmets as a precautionary measure to protect against any potential violence.