TMC Protests Against BJP's 12-Hour 'Bengal Bandh'

The Trinamool Congress protested BJP's 'Bengal Bandh' after a police crackdown during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march. Clashes erupted between protestors and police, resulting in water cannons and tear gas usage. The incident follows the outrage over a doctor's rape and murder in Kolkata.

On Wednesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) members staged a protest against the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh', which was called in response to a police crackdown during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march. Train services disrupted between Bangaon and Sealdah are now being reinstated.

TMC leader Narayan Ghosh criticized the BJP, stating that they intend to make poor people suffer and have come to West Bengal with malicious intent. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ashok Kirtania defended the bandh, saying it would continue despite police efforts. He accused the TMC of thwarting their cause with their own workers.

In Alipurdaur, police detained BJP protestors demonstrating against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. On Tuesday, the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' rally began from College Square amid tight security, with protestors assembling in the Santragachi area of Howrah.

Violence ensued as police used water cannons on protestors who climbed over barricades and clashed with officers. Tear gas and lathi charges were also deployed to disperse demonstrators.

The TMC condemned the BJP's definition of 'peaceful protest,' accusing them of disrupting law and order and launching a calculated attack on Bengal. BJP national president JP Nadda criticized Chief Minister Banerjee, accusing her of cruelty and dictatorship.

The protests follow the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has spurred nationwide outrage and multiple protests demanding justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)