Bengal Bandh Today: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Key Updates
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a Bengal bandh today, August 28, in response to clashes between Kolkata Police and protestors during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally held on August 27. The bandh, set to last for 12 hours, from 6 AM to 6 PM, has stirred up a significant response across the state.
The ‘Nabanna Abhijan,’ a march to the state secretariat, was organized to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Protestors accuse her of mishandling a sensitive case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The protest turned violent when demonstrators clashed with the police, leading to the overturning of barricades. In response, the police employed lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) attributed the violence to the BJP, accusing them of orchestrating an aggressive protest.
The BJP’s national president, JP Nadda, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent with the Kolkata Police’s actions. He condemned the police for their “highhandedness” and accused the state government of prioritizing the protection of criminals over ensuring the safety of women. Nadda’s remarks emphasized that the police’s actions had angered all those who value democratic principles.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, who was actively involved in the protests, announced the bandh in response to the police’s alleged mistreatment of students who participated in the march. Majumdar’s call for the bandh was motivated by the arrest of students during the protest, which he described as a “democratic, peaceful” demonstration. He demanded their immediate release and condemned the use of force by the police.
Despite the bandh, the West Bengal government has stated that it will take measures to ensure that the strike does not disrupt the normal functioning of the state. Schools, colleges, government offices, and banks are expected to remain open, although the bandh may impact transportation and other services. Essential services such as medical care, drinking water, public transport, rail services, and electricity are likely to operate normally. However, the BJP has urged business organizations to keep markets closed in solidarity with the bandh. The government, on the other hand, has assured the public that normalcy will be maintained and that there will be no official closures due to the opposition-led strike.
The bandh has sparked widespread attention and debate, with both supporters and critics voicing their opinions. The BJP’s call for the bandh reflects the growing tensions between the party and the TMC, particularly over issues related to law and order in the state. As the bandh unfolds, its impact on daily life in West Bengal remains to be seen, with the state government and BJP both vying for public support in this highly charged political environment.