Thousands took to the streets of Kolkata on Tuesday in a massive protest demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The protest, dubbed the “Nabanna Abhiyan,” followed the outrage over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) vehemently condemned the demonstration, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the chaos for political gain.
The TMC alleged that the protest was not a genuine call for justice but a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state. They accused the BJP of hiring goons to instigate violence, smash barricades, and attack on-duty police officers. The party released videos purportedly showing BJP leaders planning to provoke violence, leading to the detention of those individuals for questioning.
The state police deemed the rally illegal and unauthorized, citing concerns over potential violence and public disorder. They had previously rejected an application for the event by the ‘Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj’ due to insufficient details and lack of formal permission. Despite this, the unregistered student group, along with the Sangrami Joutha Mancha – representing state government employees advocating for salary parity – proceeded with the protest.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the state government to refrain from using force against the protesters, emphasizing their right to peaceful assembly. The accusations and counter-accusations surrounding the “Nabanna Abhiyan” highlight the deep political divide in West Bengal and raise questions about the motives behind the protest and the ensuing violence.
