BJP Calls Bengal Bandh

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal, calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This move comes in response to a violent confrontation between protesters and police during a march to the state secretariat, Nabanna. The march, dubbed the "Nabanna Abhiyan," was organized by the BJP to demand justice for a 31-year-old doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. 

Sukanta Majumdar, the President of the Bengal BJP, announced the bandh, urging residents across West Bengal to participate in the general strike scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM tomorrow. The bandh aims to protest what the BJP describes as excessive police action against peaceful demonstrators who were marching to Nabanna to express their outrage over the horrific crime and demand action from the state government.

The protest march began at College Square in Kolkata and aimed to reach Nabanna, where the Chief Minister’s office is located. However, the situation escalated near the Howrah Bridge when demonstrators broke through police barricades set up to prevent their advance. The police responded with lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The confrontation turned the area into a chaotic scene, with many protesters being injured and several being detained by the police. 

Reacting to the police's response, Majumdar condemned the incident as a serious issue for public safety and demanded immediate accountability from state authorities. "This is not just a matter of political opposition; it's a question of basic human rights and safety," he said, emphasizing the need for urgent action and transparency from the government.

The Kolkata Police had fortified the high-security zone around Nabanna in anticipation of the protest, blocking all roads leading to the state secretariat. This preemptive action included placing large containers on the roads to prevent the protesters from moving forward, a move that was heavily criticized by BJP leaders. Shehzad Poonawalla, a spokesperson for the BJP, likened Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's actions to those of a dictator, accusing her government of shielding criminals, destroying evidence, and silencing dissent. "Mamata Banerjee is not acting like Didi (sister); she is behaving more like Idi Amin," he said, referencing the notorious Ugandan dictator.

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT Cell, also took to social media to criticize the government's actions. He suggested that Mamata Banerjee was so fearful of the public's demand for justice that she resorted to extreme measures to prevent protesters from reaching Nabanna. "She is so scared of students and common citizens seeking justice for the RG Kar rape and murder victim that she has ordered Kolkata Police to put large containers on the road to stop them. Is she imagining students marching in tanks?" Malviya asked sarcastically, highlighting the absurdity of the government’s heavy-handed response.

The BJP's call for a bandh has garnered mixed reactions from various quarters. While some residents have expressed support for the protest against the alleged mishandling of the rape and murder case, others are concerned about the disruption a bandh could cause, especially in a state already dealing with several social and economic challenges.

As the state prepares for the 12-hour bandh, tensions remain high, with both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress gearing up for a showdown. The bandh is not just a call for justice in a single case but a broader statement against what the BJP perceives as a deteriorating law and order situation under Mamata Banerjee’s government. The party's leaders have vowed to continue their protests until the state government takes decisive action against the culprits and ensures the safety and security of all citizens.

This bandh represents a significant political challenge for Mamata Banerjee, who has been in power in West Bengal for over a decade. The Chief Minister, who is known for her combative style and strong political acumen, now faces a crucial test of her leadership amid growing public outcry and opposition pressure. How she handles the situation in the coming days could have lasting implications for her political future and the overall stability of West Bengal.