Bangla Bandh : The BJP in West Bengal has announced a 12-hour bandh tomorrow in response to the alleged police brutality against students protesting the recent rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. The student-led demonstrations, which turned violent on Tuesday, saw clashes between protesters and police during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ march toward the Bengal Secretariat, resulting in significant disruptions in Kolkata and Howrah.
In contrast, the West Bengal government has declared that normalcy will be maintained tomorrow, opposing the bandh and ensuring that public transport, including buses, will operate as usual
Bangla Bandh Tomorrow: What to Expect Closure and Continuity
The BJP has called for a 12-hour bandh across West Bengal tomorrow to protest alleged police violence against students. While the party has urged businesses to shut their doors, it’s unclear if markets will comply, as local market committees have yet to confirm any closures. Public transport and private offices might face disruptions, but essential services are expected to remain functional. Emergency services, including ambulances, will operate as usual. Government offices, banks, schools, colleges, and petrol stations are also likely to stay open, though some schools may transition to online classes. Students and parents are advised to check with their schools for the latest updates.
Reason for the Bandh
The bandh is in response to recent clashes between police and students demonstrating against the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, condemned the police action against protesters and warned of a statewide disruption if the violence continued. The BJP has voiced moral support for the student protests, though it denies orchestrating the rally. On the other hand, Left student factions have distanced themselves from the event, accusing the BJP and RSS of hijacking student activism for political gain.
The Epicenter of the Protests
The protests have centered around Nabanna, the West Bengal state Secretariat in Howrah, which houses the offices of top government officials, including the Chief Minister. The march towards Nabanna, which lacked official sanction, led to allegations from the ruling Trinamool Congress of an orchestrated effort to create unrest.
Tensions escalated in Santragachi, Howrah, where protesters clashed with police barricades. Riot police responded with lathi charges and teargas, while demonstrators waved the national flag and chanted slogans. The unrest spread to Howrah Bridge, where attempts to breach police defenses led to the use of water cannons and additional teargas. Some policemen were injured by stones, and a Rapid Action Force (RAF) member was hospitalized.
Political and Security Responses
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh questioned the neutrality of the protests, suggesting links to the RSS. In response, approximately 6,000 police officers have been deployed, with 2,000 stationed around Nabanna to manage the situation and prevent further violence.
BJP announces 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' demanding CM Mamata's resignation & to protest police action in protests today
Sukanta Majumdar, the President of Bengal BJP, made to the announcement of urging residents to participate in the general strike to scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM tomorrow.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared a 12-hour bandh in the West Bengal to protest police action on that participants walk to the state secretariat.
The march came in response to the tragic on a rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Sukanta Majumdar, the President of Bengal BJP, made the announcement of urging residents to participate in the general strike scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM tomorrow.
Kolkata rape-murder: ‘March to Nabanna’ turns ugly near Howrah as protestors of the break obstacle police fires tear gas shells
Majumdar condemned that the incident, describing it as a grave concern for the public safety and demanded immediate of an action from the state authorities.
A protest of march – ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ – called over RG Kar case turned into a violent after protestors broke a police obstruction at Santragachi in Howrah and clashed with cops prompting actions from the Kolkata Police.
The protest march started from the College of Square in Kolkata and was headed towards into Nabanna, the state secretariat that houses of the chief minister’s office (CMO). The protesters were stopped at the iconic Howrah bridge, with the police resorted to lathi charges, firing water cannons and tear gas shells.
Towards the front of the march, the Kolkata Police turned to the high-security zone into a fortress and blocked all the roads leading up to Nabanna.
With reference to the police actions, BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was not behaving like Didi, but Idi Amen. “Mamata Banerjee’s government has protected from the rapists, collapsed the evidence, and suppressed the voice of truth, for which the Supreme Court and the High Court remonstrate with. Now once again when the students, doctors and common citizens’ are taking out to the Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan’ to the demand justice for the daughter, Mamata Banerjee’s government is blocking to the roads.”
BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya slammed Mamata Banerjee, saying that she is so scared of students’ movement of that she has ordered for Kolkata Police to put large containers on the road to stop protesting citizens from reaching Nabanna. “Is she imagining students’ seeking justice for the RG Kar rape and murder victim marching ahead in tanks?” he asked.