The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a 12-hour statewide bandh in West Bengal on Wednesday in response to what it terms “brutal repression” by the police during the Nabanna Abhijan rally. The rally, which was intended to march towards the state secretariat, turned violent as police clashed with protesters. In retaliation, the BJP called for a shutdown from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Suvendu Adhikari Condemns Police Actions
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, strongly condemned the police’s actions, accusing the state administration of excessive force against peaceful protesters. “Police are using water cannons on peaceful protestors at Santragachi, bursting tear gas shells on students at Howrah Bridge, and lathi-charging them at College Street. These brutalities must stop immediately,” Adhikari stated.
Adhikari further warned that the BJP would escalate its response if the police continued their alleged repression. “If this police repression isn’t stopped immediately, we (BJP) will stall West Bengal tomorrow,” he asserted.
What Happened During the Rally?
The rally escalated into violence, with several protesters reportedly injured. Adhikari criticized the deployment of over 8,000 Kolkata Police officers to block students from protesting. He described the situation as “alarming” and accused the state administration of creating a volatile environment. “Scores of protesters have been injured. If Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal and the DGP do not halt such brutalities, we will not remain idle,” Adhikari warned.
Adhikari also indicated his plan to visit Howrah station en route to Belur Math while stressing that he had no intention of breaking the law. He emphasized the BJP’s support for the Chhatra Samaj movement, an apolitical student-led protest demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over her alleged failure to ensure women’s safety in the state.
The Chhatra Samaj, which organized the march, insisted that no political leaders should lead their protest, highlighting the apolitical nature of their movement. Despite this, the BJP’s involvement and the subsequent bandh call underscore the growing political tensions in West Bengal.