In a significant development in Indian politics, the BJP has announced a 12-hour bandh (strike) in West Bengal from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, following the police crackdown on protesters. These demonstrators were marching towards the state secretariat, ‘Nabanna,’ demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata. This incident has sparked nationwide outrage, bringing to light serious concerns about democracy and justice in India.

Key Points on West Bengal Bandh:

1. BJP Calls for Bandh: The BJP has initiated a 12-hour general strike today in West Bengal in response to police using tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges to disperse protesters marching towards ‘Nabanna.’ The protesters were advocating for justice in the rape-murder case that has shaken Indian news.
2. Protest Led by Student Body and Government Employees: The march was organized by the unregistered student group ‘Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj’ and a dissident government employees’ platform, ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha.’ The ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of backing this protest.
3. Demand for CM Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation: The protesters were demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, holding her accountable for the rape and murder of the doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
4. Protesters and Police Injured: Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that over 160 protesters, including 17 women, were injured in the police action. The police reported that several officers were also injured in the clashes.
5. BJP Leader Urges Governor to Act: Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, has urged Governor CV Ananda Bose to impose President’s Rule in the state, highlighting concerns over the current state of democracy in India.
6. BJP’s Justification for the Bandh: BJP state president and union minister Sukanta Majumdar justified the bandh, stating, “We are forced to call this dawn-to-dusk strike as the autocratic regime in West Bengal continues to ignore the voices demanding justice for the victim. Mamata Banerjee’s police are suppressing peace-loving citizens who only seek a safe environment for women.”
7. State Government’s Response: The West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, has urged citizens to ignore the BJP’s bandh call. Alapan Bandopadhyay, the chief advisor to Ms. Banerjee, stated, “The government will not allow any bandh on Wednesday. We urge people not to participate and assure that normal life will not be disrupted.”
8. Warning to Government Employees: A notification from the state government instructed all government offices to remain open, warning that employees who do not report for duty today, except those with valid reasons, will face disciplinary action for unauthorized absence.
9. Trinamool Congress Dismisses the Bandh: The ruling Trinamool Congress has dismissed the BJP’s bandh call as a political maneuver, asserting that the bandh will not disrupt the state.
10. Nationwide Outrage Over Rape-Murder: The rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor on August 9 has caused widespread anger across the country. Junior doctors in several regions have boycotted non-emergency patients, demanding justice for the victim and better safety for women in hospitals, further intensifying the current debate on democracy and women’s safety in India.