BJP Calls for ‘Bengal Bandh’ in Kolkata Amid Protests Against Police Actions
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ on August 28 in Kolkata. This protest is in response to police actions during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ march to the state secretariat on August 27.
Protests and Police Actions
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led government, accusing it of using excessive force against peaceful protestors. She claimed that the police and the government have become spineless and are invalidating Supreme Court orders. Paul also mentioned that the police used water cannons mixed with chemicals and lathi charges to disperse protestors.
Government’s Response
In response to the bandh, drivers and conductors of government buses in Kolkata were instructed to wear helmets for safety. A bus driver mentioned, ‘Today is bandh, so we are wearing helmets.’
Trinamool Congress’s Accusations
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the BJP of inciting violence and disrupting law and order. They described the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ as a conspiracy and a ‘FATAL ATTACK on Bengal.’
Background
The protests were sparked by the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, which led to nationwide outrage and demands for justice.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Bengal Bandh -: A ‘Bengal Bandh’ is a general strike in the state of West Bengal, where businesses and transportation services are shut down as a form of protest.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is one of the largest cities in India.
Nabanna Abhijan -: ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ is a protest march organized by the BJP. ‘Nabanna’ is the state secretariat building in West Bengal.
Agnimitra Paul -: Agnimitra Paul is a leader of the BJP and a politician in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee -: Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal and the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.
lathi charges -: Lathi charges are when police use long sticks called ‘lathis’ to control crowds during protests.
tear gas -: Tear gas is a chemical weapon used by police to disperse crowds. It causes tears and irritation in the eyes.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) -: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is a major political party in West Bengal, led by Mamata Banerjee.
postgraduate trainee doctor -: A postgraduate trainee doctor is someone who has completed their medical degree and is undergoing further training in a specialized field.