Political Turmoil in West Bengal: BJP Workers Clash with Police During 'Bangla Bandh'

BJP workers clashed with police in West Bengal during a 12-hour shutdown, protesting against police action on the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march. Several BJP leaders were detained for blocking roads and railway tracks. The bandh affected public transport and daily life as people stayed indoors fearing trouble.

BJP workers clashed with police across West Bengal on Wednesday as they attempted to enforce a 12-hour shutdown in the state.

Key BJP figures, including former Rajya Sabha MP Roopa Ganguly and MLA Agnimitra Paul, were detained for blocking roads and railway tracks from early morning.

The 'Bangla Bandh', starting at 6 am, was called by BJP to protest Tuesday's police action on the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march organized by Chatra Samaj over the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital.

The shutdown partially disrupted daily life with many choosing to stay indoors to avoid potential unrest on the roads.

In Kolkata, the usual weekday activity was subdued with fewer buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis in operation. Private vehicles were also scarce, although markets and shops remained open.

Schools and colleges were functional, albeit with reduced student attendance. Private offices saw low attendance, with employees working from home, while government offices maintained regular attendance.

Several BJP leaders were detained attempting to enforce the shutdown, including Ganguly and Paul in Kolkata's Gariahat area. Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Sajal Ghosh was detained in Sealdah after BJP workers clashed with TMC supporters at Koley Market.

His wife, Tania Ghosh, staged a rally alleging wrongful detention without a warrant. Later, Deputy Commissioner Indira Mukherjee confirmed Ghosh's arrest for making provocative comments.

State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar led a procession in northern Kolkata but clashed with the police who attempted to stop him. Former MP Debasree Choudhury and numerous BJP workers joined him.

Bandh supporters blocked railway tracks at 49 locations in the state, although most were later cleared. Railways official reported ongoing blockades at nine stations, mainly in the Sealdah South section.

BJP workers staged demonstrations across various railway stations like Bongaon and Gocharan and faced off with TMC workers in some areas. Tensions escalated in Bhatpara over allegations of violence against BJP workers.

Former BJP MP Arjun Singh accused TMC-affiliated miscreants of firing shots, while TMC MLA Somenath Shyam accused Singh of inciting violence. Police intervened to control the situation.

BJP-led picketing disrupted public transport in regions including Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Siliguri, and Malda in northern West Bengal, as well as Purulia and Bankura in the south.

Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari led a protest march in Nandigram, his home district. In Malda, TMC and BJP activists clashed over road blockades, with the police dispersing the groups. In Alipurduar, BJP activists scuffled with police while attempting to block a major road, chanting for the chief minister's resignation.

(With inputs from agencies.)