BJP calls for Bengal bandh today: What's open? What's closed? Timings and more

The West Bengal bandh has been called by the BJP on Wednesday in response to the clashes between Kolkata Police and protestors in a march to Nabanna.

Updated on: Aug 28, 2024, 07:29:26 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Bharatiya Janata Party state president Sukanta Majumdar called for a Bengal bandh on Wednesday, August 28, after clashes between protesters and Kolkata Police during a ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally on August 27.

Activists wrecking barricades set up by the police during a rally on Tuesday (AFP)

‘Nabanna Abhijan’ or march to secretariat was organised to demand chief minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation for mishandling a case related to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Also Read: CBI starts probe into RG Kar Hospital scams; raids on in Kolkata, Howrah

As protestors overturned barricades, police personnel resorted to lathi charges, using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. While the ruling Trinamool Congress blamed the protest for not being peaceful and suggested that the BJP had been behind the violence in the protest.

The BJP national president JP Nadda responded on X, highlighting the violence being enacted by the Kolkata police in the situation as the main issue.

Also Read: Arrest man threatening Abhishek Banerjee’s daughter: Bengal commission to police

“The images of police highhandedness from Kolkata have angered every person who values democratic principles. In Didi's West Bengal, to help rapists and criminals is valued but it's a crime to speak for women's safety,” he said.

Sukanta Majumdar calls for Bangl bandh

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar rallied against the detaining of students from the march to Nabanna and was part of a protest outside Kolkata police headquarters in Lalbazar on Tuesday.

Also Read: Kolkata rape-murder case: No one entered cordoned off seminar room area, says police

Majumdar announced through a statement that he would call for a 12-hour Bengal Bandh on Wednesday. He also said, “The police and Mamata Banerjee have unleashed violence on the student agitation. They have lathi-charged, used tear gas and used water cannons on the democratic, peaceful protest... Our demand is simple: the students who have been arrested by the police should be released.”

Timings

The 12-hour bandh will begin at 6am on August 28.

The West Bengal government had said that the administration will ensure that people are not affected by the strike.

What's open and what's closed?

Schools, colleges, government offices and banks are likely to stay open but may be disrupted due to the Bandh affecting traffic.

Essential services like medical care, drinking water, public transport, rail services, and electricity are also likely to function normally.

The BJP has reportedly called on business organisations to keep markets closed. However, the West Bengal government has said normalcy will be maintained and nothing will be officially closed due to the strike called by the opposition.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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