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In response to the violent escalation of the Nabanna Abhijan protest in Kolkata, the BJP has called for a 12-hour bandh on Wednesday, August 28. This strike will run from 6 am to 6 pm. The violence erupted during a student-led march organized by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, which was demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. During the protest, the police used water cannons and tear gas at Howrah Bridge to disperse the crowd.
The West Bengal government has assured that essential services like healthcare, public transportation, railways, and electricity will remain unaffected. Schools, colleges, government offices, and banks will stay open, although traffic disruptions may impact their functioning.
Key updates on the Nabanna Abhijan clash:
On Tuesday, clashes occurred between protesters and police across Kolkata and Howrah as demonstrators attempted to breach barricades to reach the West Bengal secretariat.
Over 200 individuals were detained in connection with the rally.
Violent incidents were reported on MG Road, Hastings Road, near Princep Ghat, Santragachi, and Howrah Maidan, resulting in injuries to some protesters and 29 police officers.
A total of 126 members of the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj were arrested, including 33 women.
The BJP has urged businesses to shut their markets during the bandh, but the state government has announced that normal operations will continue despite the strike.
Bengal Bandh Today: Airlines Issue Disruption Alerts, Train Services Hit, Police Vigil On Roads
On Wednesday, August 28, major airlines have issued travel warnings due to a 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ called by the BJP in protest against the state government. The bandh, running from 6 am to 6 pm, was prompted by the police’s use of tear gas and lathicharge during the previous day’s Nabanna Abhijan rally.
Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have alerted passengers to potential disruptions, including local transport issues, road blockages, and traffic congestion near Kolkata airport. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys well in advance and monitor flight statuses to stay informed about possible delays. SpiceJet advised passengers to check local traffic conditions and flight status via their website, while IndiGo suggested allowing extra travel time and keeping an eye on flight updates. Vistara also warned of expected traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement.
Despite the Kolkata Traffic Police issuing updates related to the Nabanna Abhijan rally on August 25, no specific advisories about the bandh were provided on their social media channels.
The bandh has significantly impacted daily life in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal. Roads in Kolkata were noticeably quieter with fewer buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis operating. Private vehicle traffic also decreased, though markets and shops remained open. Schools and colleges continued their operations, while many private offices saw reduced attendance as employees worked from home.
Train services on the Sealdah line, a key route connecting Kolkata with its suburbs, experienced disruptions due to blockades by BJP activists. Although services are being gradually restored, significant delays and interruptions were reported at various stations, including Barasat Dakshin and Tala Bridge, with 49 blockades affecting major sections like Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, and Diamond Harbour. Tension was high at Barrackpore station as BJP and TMC supporters clashed, and local trains were blocked at Hooghly station.
In Kolkata, the doctors are planning to a protest of march at 2 pm from Shyambazar to Dharmatala. The West Bengal government has been that urged the public to disregard the bandh, stating that all government offices will remain open. Employees are expected to report for duty unless they have valid leave or emergencies, with a warning of potential disciplinary action for unauthorized absences. Chief Adviser Alapan Bandopadhyay emphasized that the government will take all necessary steps to maintain normalcy and counter the bandh’s effects.
In the Purba Medinipur district, BJP activists have been picketing and disrupting traffic, while in Maldah, clashes between TMC and BJP members over road blockages were reported. Police intervened to disperse the groups. In Bankura, BJP supporters demonstrated at the town bus stand, and in Alipurduar, there was a scuffle between BJP activists and police as they attempted to block a major road, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister.
In response to the bandh, government bus drivers in Howrah, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur were seen wearing helmets for their safety. The drivers reported that the helmets were provided by the department as a precautionary measure due to the bandh.
To manage the situation, security has been heightened in Kolkata, with additional police presence requested by the ADG (law and order). The increased security includes the deployment of women personnel to ensure a controlled environment and to address any potential disruptions effectively.
The Police personnel will be deployed in the key areas to the prevent of the bandh and directions were given as to prevent forceful implementation and any act of violence. “Strong legal action will be taken against those who indulge in violence.
Social media monitoring should increase as there will be instigation. Night vigil in sensitive areas should be increased,” the order stated.
There are be were to the reports of increased police vigil from Hooghly, Maldah, Gocharan, Cooch Behar, Asansol, Darjeeling and Siliguri.
West Bengal Bandh updates: Life partly affected in West Bengal; BJP leader Locket Chatterjee detained
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, daily life in parts of West Bengal was notably disrupted due to a 12-hour bandh organized by the BJP. This protest was a reaction to police actions against demonstrators who had marched toward the state secretariat.
In Kolkata, the usual morning traffic was notably subdued, with a significant reduction in the number of buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Private vehicle traffic was also sparse, although markets and shops continued to operate normally.
Educational institutions such as schools and colleges stayed open, while many private businesses experienced reduced attendance as employees were advised to work from home.
The unrest in Kolkata followed a protest rally that descended into violence and chaos. In response, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumder called for a 12-hour bandh across the state.