West Bengal is experiencing a tense standoff today, August 28, as a 12-hour bandh (shutdown) has been called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in response to the violent protests that erupted in Kolkata on August 27. The protests, known as the Nabanna Abhijan, were organized in response to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The violence that marred yesterday’s protests has led to a call for the bandh, with Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumder spearheading the initiative. BJP national president JP Nadda has declared that the bandh will begin at 6 am. However, the state government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has firmly stated that it will not permit the bandh, with Chief Advisor Alapan Bandopadhyay declaring, “The government will not allow any bandh on Wednesday. We urge people not to participate in it. All steps shall be taken to ensure that normal life is unaffected.”
The government has further asserted that transport services will operate as usual and that shops, markets, and businesses have been instructed to remain open. This decisive stance from the government sets the stage for a direct confrontation with the BJP, whose call for the bandh highlights the political tensions surrounding the tragic incident and the ongoing protests. It remains to be seen how the day unfolds and whether the bandh will proceed despite the state government’s opposition.
