The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal on August 28, following police action during the students' march to the state secretariat, Nabanna. The protestors were met with force, including tear gas, batons, and water cannons by the Kolkata Police, leading the BJP to call for a strike in defiance of the state government.
Clashes Between BJP and Trinamool Congress
The BJP’s bandh call sparked sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC leaders condemned the BJP’s actions, vowing to retaliate with equal force. Despite the pushback, the BJP stood firm, with national leadership backing the strike as a symbol of defiance against what they described as oppression under the Mamata Banerjee government.
Police Justification for Action
Supratim Sarkar, Additional Director General (ADG) of South Bengal, defended the police action, stating that there was intelligence suggesting potential unrest during the protests. He revealed that four individuals were arrested in possession of a firearm, highlighting concerns about violence.
BJP’s Demand for Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation
In addition to protesting police brutality, the BJP demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation. The demand followed the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor at a state-run hospital earlier this month. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar accused Banerjee’s government of ignoring the public’s demand for justice and women’s safety.
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