Kolkata, Aug 28 — A 12-hour shutdown called by the BJP on Wednesday caused significant disruptions across West Bengal. The bandh, which began at 6 a.m., was organized in response to police action against demonstrators during a march to the state secretariat and aimed at demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar hospital.
In Kolkata, the usual weekday hustle was noticeably subdued. Fewer buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis were seen on the roads, and private vehicle traffic was lighter than usual. Despite this, markets and shops remained open. Schools and colleges continued their operations, although many private offices experienced reduced attendance as employees worked from home.
The bandh’s impact was felt throughout the state:
North 24 Parganas: BJP supporters demonstrated at Bongaon station. Tensions also escalated at Barrackpore station with clashes between BJP and TMC activists.
South 24 Parganas: Protests were held at Gocharan station.
Hooghly: BJP activists blocked a local train at the station.
Purba Medinipur: In Nandigram, BJP activists picketed the roads, causing traffic disruptions.
Malda: Clashes between TMC and BJP activists over road blockages led to police intervention.
Bankura: The town bus stand saw demonstrations by BJP workers.
Alipurduar: A scuffle broke out between BJP activists and police as they attempted to block a major road. Protestors chanted slogans demanding the chief minister’s resignation.
The bandh was a direct response to the police crackdown on the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ protest, organized by the newly formed student group Chatra Samaj. The protest sought to address grievances related to the handling of a high-profile criminal case and called for accountability from the state government.
