West Bengal Faces Disruption Amid 12-Hour 'Bangla Bandh'

Daily life in West Bengal faced significant disruption due to a 12-hour shutdown called by the BJP in protest against police action during a march to the state secretariat. The bandh affected public transport, school attendance, and private office operations. Demonstrations and road blockades were reported across the state.

On Wednesday, daily life in West Bengal was notably disrupted due to a 12-hour shutdown orchestrated by the BJP, who were protesting police action against demonstrators during a march to the state secretariat.

Since early morning, rail and road blockades at multiple locations hindered public transport services, causing significant inconvenience.

In Kolkata, the usual weekday hustle was absent, with fewer buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis on the roads. While markets and shops remained open, private vehicles were considerably scarce. Schools and colleges also saw lower attendance, with many private office employees working from home. Government offices, however, maintained usual attendance.

BJP workers protested at several sites, including Sealdah, Shyambazar, Burrabazar, and Wipro More in Sector 5's IT hub. Prompt police action was taken to disperse the demonstrators and clear traffic.

Eastern Railway officials reported that bandh supporters blocked tracks at 49 locations under their jurisdiction. Although most blockades were lifted, disturbances continued at nine stations, primarily in the Sealdah South section.

BJP demonstrations at Bongaon, Gocharan, and Murshidabad stations highlighted the widespread impact. Tensions flared at Barrackpore station as BJP and TMC supporters confronted each other.

Picketing by BJP supporters caused temporary public transport disruption in northern and southern West Bengal regions, including Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Siliguri, Malda, Purulia, and Bankura.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari spearheaded a protest march in Nandigram, while clashes occurred in Malda between activists from TMC and BJP. Police intervened to separate the groups.

In Alipurduar, BJP activists clashed with the police while attempting to block a key road, chanting slogans demanding the chief minister's resignation.

The 'Bangla Bandh' commenced at 6 AM in response to police actions during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march by Chatra Samaj, a student group demanding CM Mamata Banerjee's resignation over a medical college incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)