The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a 12-hour bandh across West Bengal to protest against the recent police action during demonstrations and to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The bandh, scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM, reflects the growing tension in the state following a series of violent clashes between protestors and the police.
BJP’s Call for Action: A Demand for Justice
Sukanta Majumdar, the President of Bengal BJP, has made an emphatic call to the people of West Bengal, urging them to participate in the bandh. The BJP’s protest is a response to the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Majumdar emphasized the severity of the situation, highlighting the need for immediate action to address the state’s deteriorating public safety.
The ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’: A Protest Turned Violent
The situation escalated during the ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ protest march, organized in response to the RG Kar incident. The march, which started from College Square in Kolkata, aimed to reach Nabanna, the state secretariat where the Chief Minister’s office is located. However, the peaceful demonstration quickly turned violent when protestors clashed with the police at Santragachi in Howrah.
The Kolkata Police, in an attempt to control the situation, used forceful measures, including lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas, to disperse the crowds. The iconic Howrah Bridge became a battleground as the police blocked the march, preventing the protestors from advancing toward the state secretariat.
Mamata Banerjee’s Government Under Fire
The heavy-handed police response has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders. Shehzad Poonawalla, a prominent BJP spokesperson, compared Mamata Banerjee’s actions to those of a dictator, accusing her government of protecting criminals and silencing dissent. He pointed out that the state government has repeatedly failed to deliver justice, leading to widespread frustration among the public.
Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT Cell, also condemned the West Bengal government, accusing it of stifling the voices of students and citizens seeking justice for the RG Kar victim. Malviya criticized the police for placing large containers on roads to block the protestors, questioning whether Banerjee feared a peaceful movement to the extent that she would resort to such extreme measures.
BJP’s Demands: Resignation and President’s Rule
The BJP’s demands are clear: they want Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resign and have called for the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal. The party argues that Banerjee’s administration is incapable of maintaining law and order, and her resignation is necessary to ensure a fair investigation into the RG Kar case.
Suvendu Adhikari, another senior BJP leader, placed the blame for the violence squarely on Banerjee’s shoulders, accusing her of fostering an environment where criminals are shielded from justice. The BJP has also demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conduct a polygraph test on both Banerjee and Police Commissioner Vineet Goel, who initially claimed the victim had died by suicide—a statement that the BJP believes was an attempt to cover up the truth.
The ‘Nabanna Abhijan’: A Movement Fueled by Outrage
The ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally, which witnessed the participation of hundreds of youths, was organized by student platforms ‘Chhatrasamaj’ and ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha,’ representing state government employees. The rallyists held Mamata Banerjee directly responsible for the RG Kar tragedy, arguing that her government’s failure to ensure the safety and security of women led to the horrific incident.
The rally commenced from two strategic locations—College Square in North Kolkata and Santragachi in Howrah—both converging with the singular goal of demanding justice and accountability. The protesters, mostly young students and professionals, voiced their anger and disillusionment with the state government, calling for a leadership change to restore public trust and safety.
Conclusion: A State on the Brink
The 12-hour Bengal bandh called by the BJP is more than just a protest; it is a reflection of the growing unrest and demand for change in West Bengal. The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College has ignited a firestorm of criticism against the Mamata Banerjee-led government, with calls for her resignation growing louder. As the bandh approaches, the state’s political landscape remains volatile, with both sides bracing for what could be a pivotal moment in West Bengal’s future. The outcome of this bandh and the subsequent actions by both the state government and the BJP will likely shape the political narrative in the state for the foreseeable future.
