West Bengal witnessed widespread protests that turned violent when the police resorted to using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. The ensuing tensions led to a statewide Bengal Bandh, causing significant disruptions across the state.
Reasons Behind the Protests of Bengal Bandh
The protests were triggered by a multitude of issues, including:
- Unemployment: The rising unemployment rate has been a major concern for the youth.
- Inflation: The increasing cost of living has put a strain on the common people.
- Deteriorating Education and Healthcare: The quality of education and healthcare services has been on a decline.
- Land Acquisition: Protests against land acquisition for various projects have been a recurring theme.
- Demand for Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation: A significant reason for the protests was the demand for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Police Action and Reactions to Protestors
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for a 12-hour Bengal Bandh in protest against the police brutality, which included lathi-charge, water cannons, and tear gas. The ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ (March to Nabanna) was called by a non-registered student organization, ‘Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj,’ and a platform of disgruntled government employees, ‘Sanghrami Jatha Mancha’. The Trinamool Congress alleged that the protests were backed by the BJP.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that over 160 protesters, including 17 women, were injured in the police action. The police countered that several of their personnel were also injured in the clashes. Suvendu Adhikari, a former Trinamool Congress leader, said, “This dictatorial regime has silenced the voice of the people.”
Government’s Response to Bengal Bandh
The West Bengal government appealed to people not to support the BJP-led bandh. Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said the government would not allow any bandh on Wednesday and all government offices would remain open.
Impact of the Bandh
The Bengal Bandh brought normal life to a standstill in the state. Schools, colleges, and public transportation services were disrupted, and many shops and markets remained closed. The bandh also had a negative impact on the state’s economy.
The bandh was called due to various reasons, including unemployment, inflation, deteriorating education and healthcare, and the demand for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.
The bandh disrupted normal life, affecting schools, colleges, public transport, and businesses, thereby impacting the state’s economy.
