TMC Rejects BJP's 'Bengal Bandh,' Calls It Anarchy Drama

Reacting to BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' protest, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh declared the strike a failure, claiming normalcy in the state. Despite heightened security and accusations of anarchy, industries, shops, and transport services are operating smoothly. The bandh follows a controversial police crackdown on a protest rally in Kolkata.

In response to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) call for a 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' on Wednesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh stated that the people of West Bengal have rejected what he termed the 'drama of anarchy.' The bandh has been organized by the BJP to protest against the state government following a police crackdown during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' protest rally in Kolkata.

Describing the bandh as a 'failed attempt' to unsettle the state, Ghosh emphasized that life in Bengal continues as usual. 'We all want justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. Mamata Banerjee also wants justice. The case is now in the hands of the CBI. One accused has been arrested, and the CBI is investigating. The BJP is trying to foment unrest; they attacked the police yesterday and have called a bandh today. But Bengal remains unaffected,' Ghosh remarked.

He added that industrial operations were normal, with more than 82% attendance in the morning shift. 'Shops are open, tea garden employees are working, the IT sector has full attendance, and transport services are uninterrupted. The BJP's anarchic attempt has been rejected by the people,' Ghosh said. Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari joined the protest as authorities tightened security across Kolkata.

Additional Superintendent of Police in Uttar Dinajpur, Dendup Sherpa, confirmed that police personnel have been deployed extensively to maintain law and order. Anticipating possible violence, drivers and conductors of government buses in Kolkata were seen wearing helmets on the administration's instructions. This comes after yesterday's protests, where security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and resorted to lathicharge to control the unrest during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally.

Protestors in Kolkata gathered at Howrah Bridge, clashing with police and dismantling barricades during the rally. The TMC has accused the BJP of orchestrating the chaos following the national outrage from the murder and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, which has sparked numerous protests nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)