In a bold move, West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar announced a 12-hour bandh on Wednesday, accusing both the Left and the TMC of playing setting politics over the recent rape and murder case that has shaken the state. Majumdar, who is also a Union Minister, declared that the bandh was a response to the violent clashes between police and members of the Chhatr Samaj during the Nabanna Abhiyan protests.Timing of the bandhThe BJP has thrown its full support behind the student protesters, extending what it calls moral support through this bandh. The 12-hour shutdown is set to last from 6 AM to 6 PM, with the party urging citizens to join in the protest. Tuesday saw intense demonstrations across West Bengal, with thousands of students taking to the streets of Kolkata, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges, detaining over 100 protesters in the process. The BJP strongly condemned the police action, leading to the call for todays bandh.Whats open and whats closedThe BJP has asked all businesses to shut down as part of the bandh, aiming to send a strong message to the state government. However, the Mamata Banerjee-led administration has announced that all government offices will remain open, opposing the bandh. Public transport, including buses and the Kolkata Metro, will operate, though disruptions are anticipated. Private offices may also face interruptions. Commuters using the Kolkata Metro are advised to check the official website for real-time updates.Schools, colleges, banks, and government offices are expected to remain open, but students should stay in close contact with their institutions for any last-minute changes. Emergency services, including medical care and ambulances, will remain fully operational throughout the bandh.
