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BJP’s Strike Call in Bengal Over Police Action
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour strike in West Bengal to protest against the police’s actions during a march to the state secretariat, Nabanna. The march was organized in response to the shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Police and Protesters Clash in Kolkata
Chaos erupted on the streets leading to Nabanna as police tried to stop the protesters from reaching the state secretariat. Riot police used teargas, water cannons, and batons to disperse the crowd. Some protesters were seen throwing stones at the police in retaliation.
Allegations from Both Sides
While the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) claims that the march was backed by the BJP, the organizers maintain that it was planned by student organizations. The TMC accused the BJP of trying to create unrest and violence during the rally. On the other hand, the BJP’s state president, Sukanta Majumdar, criticized the government, accusing it of ignoring the people’s demand for justice and using force against peaceful protesters.
Heavy Security Measures in Place
To prevent the protesters from reaching Nabanna, Kolkata Police turned the area into a fortress, deploying around 6,000 officers. Drones were used to monitor the situation, and barricades were set up and greased to stop the protesters from scaling them.
Missing Student Activists Spark Further Tensions
Leader of the Opposition in Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, reported that four student activists involved in the protest went missing after midnight. The police later stated that they had arrested the students to prevent large-scale violence, leading to further tensions between the BJP and the state government.
TMC Dismisses Protest as a “Flop Show”
In response to the BJP’s strike call, TMC leaders have downplayed the protest, calling it a “flop show.” Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya condemned the BJP’s actions, accusing the party of trying to gain political ground through the strike.
FAQs:
1. Why did the BJP call for a strike in West Bengal?
The BJP called for a 12-hour strike to protest the police’s handling of a march to the state secretariat, Nabanna, in response to the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata.
2. What were the main issues raised by the protesters?
The protesters demanded justice for the deceased doctor and criticized the state government’s handling of the situation, accusing it of ignoring public concerns about safety and security.
3. How did the Trinamool Congress respond to the protest?
The Trinamool Congress dismissed the protest as politically motivated, accusing the BJP of trying to create unrest in the state. The TMC also implemented heavy security measures to prevent the march from reaching Nabanna.
