Kolkata Tightens Security Amid BJP’s ‘Bengal Bandh’ Protest
Kolkata has increased security due to a 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ protest by the BJP, following the alleged police crackdown during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally. The protest is in response to the murder and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor on August 9.
Increased Security Measures
Dendup Sherpa, Additional Superintendent of Police in Uttar Dinajpur, stated that police personnel are deployed everywhere to maintain law and order. Anticipating violence, the administration has instructed bus drivers and conductors to wear helmets for safety. Drivers of North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses were seen wearing helmets in Cooch Behar.
Driver Reactions
A bus driver mentioned, “We are wearing helmets because of the bandh today…The department has given us the helmets.” Another driver added, “I am a bit scared. It is for safety. It is a government order. The helmet is creating some sort of problem with driving.”
Protest Details
On August 27, chaos erupted in Kolkata as security personnel used tear gas, water cannons, and lathicharge to disperse protestors on the Howrah Bridge. Protestors clashed with police, breaking and dragging away barricades en route to the West Bengal State Secretariat Nabanna.
Political Reactions
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the chaos. The TMC posted on its official X handle, “BJP’s idea of a ‘peaceful protest’: Pelt stones and push barricades Severely injure the police Orchestrate extreme chaos and disrupt the law and order of the state. The ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ conspired by the BJP is nothing short of a fatal attack on Bengal.”
Doubts Revealed
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, and it is the capital of the state of West Bengal.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
Bengal Bandh -: ‘Bengal Bandh’ means a shutdown or strike in the state of West Bengal, where people stop working to protest against something.
Nabanna Abhijan -: ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ is a rally or march organized by the BJP to protest against the government. ‘Nabanna’ is the name of the state government building in West Bengal.
Trinamool Congress -: Trinamool Congress, also known as TMC, is another major political party in West Bengal, and it is currently in power in the state.
tear gas -: Tear gas is a chemical that makes people’s eyes water and causes pain, used by police to control crowds.
water cannons -: Water cannons are large machines that spray water at high pressure to disperse crowds during protests.
