BJP's 12-hour Bengal Bandh: Bus drivers wear helmets, security tightened

Kolkata: As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calls for a 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' to protest against the state government’s handling of recent demonstrations, security has been heightened across West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata. 

In response to the bandh and concerns over potential violence, drivers and conductors of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) have been seen wearing helmets. A bus driver explained, “We are wearing helmets because of the bandh called by the BJP today...The department has given us the helmets to wear for safety..."

BJP members attacked, alleged conspiracy by TMC

BJP leaders in West Bengal have accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of planning attacks on its workers. BJP leader Priyangu Pandey reported a violent incident that occurred while he was en route to the residence of leader Arjun Singh.

Pandey claimed, "As we were traveling, the road was blocked by a jetting machine from Bhatpara Municipality. When our car came to a halt, around 50-60 people targeted the vehicle. They threw 7 to 8 bombs at us and fired 6-7 rounds. This attack is a joint conspiracy involving TMC and the police. They planned my murder, and the police were complicit by withdrawing my security and providing information to the attackers."

In addition, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee, who participated in the protest, was detained by the Bengal police. Chatterjee responded, "Nothing will happen. The more they detain us, the more people will join the protest. This is the people's anger, and they are taking to the streets. While the police can detain individuals, they cannot suppress the sentiment behind this movement."

Why has BJP announced Bengal Bandh

The BJP’s protest, named 'Nabanna Abhiyan,' began with a march to the state secretariat on Tuesday, which was met with a police crackdown involving lathi charges and tear gas. This aggressive response has been criticised by BJP leaders, including Agnimitra Paul, who accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government of being “spineless” and using excessive force against peaceful protesters.

Paul further condemned the police for allegedly disregarding Supreme Court orders and for their treatment of protestors, asserting, “If Mamata Banerjee was not afraid, she would not have used lathi charges and tear gas.” She accused the government of stifling student activism and undermining the rights of the people who supported her.

Services disrupted:

The bandh has caused widespread disruptions, affecting train and flight services. Train services between Bangaon and Sealdah were initially disrupted but are now being reinstated. SpiceJet has issued a travel advisory warning passengers about possible disruptions in local transport and advised them to monitor traffic conditions and keep a check on flight status.

TMC criticises BJP

Amid the bandh, tensions have also surfaced in Kolkata, where security has been enhanced to manage potential unrest. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticised the BJP’s approach, labeling the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' as a "conspiracy" and a "fatal attack on Bengal." TMC officials accused the BJP of orchestrating chaos and undermining law and order in the state.

This unrest follows a tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital earlier this month, which has sparked widespread outrage and ongoing protests across the region.