Bangla Bandh: BJP's Sukanta Majumdar stages sit-in protest on Kolkata road

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a TMC event in Kolkata, said her only demand was hanging, hanging, hanging (for rape accused).

Doctors under the banner of West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front take out a protest march from Shyambazar to Dharamtala demanding justice for woman doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar sat on the road in protest during 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' call in Kolkata.

BJP workers vandalised police barriers placed on MG Road during the party's protest and 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' call.

West Bengal BJP President Dr Sukanta Majumdar sat on the road during the 12-hour Bengal Bandh protest in Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' called by the BJP, asserting that the bandh is an attempt to defame the state rather than seek justice. "We have dedicated this day to the RG Kar doctor. We want justice, but BJP called for a bandh. They don't want justice; they only aim to tarnish Bengal's image," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister reiterated her government's stance against the bandh, contrasting the BJP's response to incidents in other states. "We don't support this bandh. BJP never demanded the resignations of the CMs of UP, MP, and even Manipur," she remarked.

Referring to the Nabanna Abhiyan rally, Banerjee praised the police for maintaining order, stating, "I salute the police for handling the situation well."

On the rape and murder of the RG Kar Hospital woman doctor, Banerjee expressed her demand for the harshest punishment: "For this, there is only one punishment—hanging till death."

The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front staged a protest rally on Friday demanding justice for a woman doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The demonstration highlighted concerns about safety and justice for medical staff, calling for immediate action and accountability from authorities. The rally underscores growing unrest within the medical community over the tragic incident.

On the 27th Foundation Day of the West Bengal Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Abhishek Banerjee publicly opposed the 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The statement was made during the celebration of TMCP's anniversary.

The AITC plans another protest in Delhi, with Banerjee asserting the party's commitment to ensuring the government addresses women's safety issues promptly. He also criticised the BJP for its alleged role in facilitating disruptions and vandalism during protests, while neglecting genuine demands for public services such as additional trains for Bengal.

Banerjee condemned the BJP's handling of the recent incidents in Manipur and Delhi. He demanded accountability for the Manipur incident involving the assault on Adivasi women and criticised BJP leaders Sukanta Majumdar and Suvendu Adhikari for their failure to demand the resignation of Manipur's Chief Minister Biren Singh. He also mentioned the need for a robust anti-rape law and promised AITC's continued efforts to push for legislative change.

Banerjee criticised the participants of recent BJP-led protests, dismissing them as unrepresentative and ill-informed. He questioned the credibility of individuals claiming involvement in the demonstrations and criticised their knowledge and commitment to women's security issues.

Abhishek Banerjee, senior leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), launched a vehement attack on the BJP, accusing it of harbouring rapists, thugs, and goons. He challenged BJP leaders to push for stronger anti-rape laws, asserting that the party is unwilling to address serious issues of crime and violence within its ranks.

Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has announced a seven-day dharna (protest) starting tomorrow, following permission granted by the Calcutta High Court. Majumdar expressed appreciation for the court's decision, criticizing the current situation in West Bengal. He accused the police of prioritizing the suppression of BJP protests over addressing broader issues, stating, "There is no democracy here; the police can arrest BJP leaders but not the accused, and they stop our protests while failing to prevent police violence."

Two individuals have been admitted to Manipal Hospitals Broadway in Kolkata with bullet injuries to the head following political clashes in Bhatpara earlier today. The incident occurred around 11:30 am. According to a hospital official, the patients are being closely monitored in the ICU as doctors assess their condition.

Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi has expressed concerns over the worsening situation for women in West Bengal, despite the state being led by a female Chief Minister. She criticised the West Bengal government for failing to implement central schemes to protect women and children.

Devi highlighted delays in operationalising fast-track courts for women-related cases and emergency services in the state. She emphasized that, despite various central schemes aimed at improving women's welfare, their implementation in West Bengal remains inadequate.

In response to the BJP's call for a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh has urged residents to maintain normalcy and avoid disruptions. Ghosh emphasized that the demand for justice in the RG Kar case is being handled by the CBI, questioning the purpose of creating chaos in the state. He criticized the BJP, alleging that their actions are politically motivated and intended to incite disorder in West Bengal.

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari participated in a protest march in Nandigram alongside BJP Karyakartas, supporting the state-wide bandh called by the party. The bandh was organized to protest against what the BJP claims are state-sponsored efforts to derail the RG Kar investigation and shield those responsible for a heinous crime.

Adhikari condemned the state's actions during the Nabanna Abhiyan by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, where peaceful protesters were met with a lathi charge, tear gas, and water cannons. The BJP leader's participation in the march signals the party's firm stance against the alleged misuse of power by the state government and its determination to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' in protest against the state government. The bandh has led to widespread disruption of bus services across the state. Commuters are facing significant inconvenience as public transportation is severely affected. The BJP's protest is aimed at drawing attention to their grievances against the ruling government, and the bandh has resulted in a slowdown of daily activities across several regions in West Bengal.

As part of the BJP's 12-hour shutdown in West Bengal, party workers organised a rally in Kolkata's Bahu Bazar area. The shutdown was called in response to recent political developments in the state, with the BJP aiming to protest against various issues. The rally in Bahu Bazar saw a significant turnout as party members marched through the streets, voicing their demands. Security measures were heightened in the area to manage the situation.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referring to her as "Dictator Didi" and accusing her of making the state unsafe for its citizens while protecting "rapists, bomb-makers, and gunmen." He condemned the violent suppression of the Nabanna Abhiyan protest led by students, where protesters faced tear gas, water cannons, and physical assaults from the police. Poonawalla alleged that BJP protesters were mocked and labeled as criminals by a TMC MP.

Poonawalla further commented on the bandh observed in response to the protest, claiming it was a people's movement supported by the masses. He accused the TMC of attempting to sabotage the bandh by inciting violence and referenced media reports of bullets being fired at a BJP leader's car, resulting in injuries. He demanded an investigation into these incidents, asserting that such violence should not be tolerated.

The Calcutta High Court on Friday refused to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to restrain the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from holding a strike in West Bengal. The PIL challenged the legality of the strike, but the court dismissed the plea, stating that it was not maintainable. The decision allows the BJP to proceed with its planned strike in the state.

On 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' called by the BJP, the party's leader Roopa Ganguly said, "People from TMC are saying that people are not following the bandh while buses are going empty. It means that people are following the bandh call. Did you see me forcing anyone to follow the bandh? Police are behaving so badly these days, don't they feel ashamed?

Police recovered empty bomb shells from near the spot where BJP leader Priyangu Pandey was attacked in Bhatpara of North 24 Parganas Priyangu Pandey claimed that several people attacked and fired on his car, earlier today, in Bhatpara of North 24 Parganas.

BJP leader Priyangu Pandey claimed TMC workers attacked him during Bengal Bandh.

Dr Mazumder of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital said, "Earlier our protest march was only for doctors, but today we have called everyone to join us...Yesterday, none of our doctors were present."

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists opened fire on the vehicle of prominent BJP leader Priyangu Pandey in Bhatpara. According to Adhikari, the driver of Pandey’s vehicle was shot during the incident. He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the TMC of attempting to intimidate the BJP and suppress its activities. Adhikari claimed that despite such actions, the ongoing bandh has garnered strong public support. He asserted that the combined threat of police and TMC supporters will not deter the BJP’s efforts.

In West Bengal, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee was detained by police while participating in a protest at Kolkata's Bata Chowk. The protest was organized following the BJP's call for a 12-hour 'Bharat Bandh.'

Chatterjee commented on the detention, stating, "Nothing will change; the more they detain, the more people will join the protest. This reflects public anger. The police can detain people but cannot stifle the idea behind the protest."

In response to the BJP's 12-hour bandh in West Bengal, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh has criticised the party for attempting to create unrest over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. Ghosh emphasised that both the public and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seek justice for the case, which is now under CBI investigation with one accused already arrested. He accused the BJP of inciting disorder, citing an attack on police by bandh supporters. Ghosh claimed that life in Bengal remains normal and that the people of West Bengal have rejected the BJP’s bandh.

West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has written to Governor CV Ananda Bose, expressing serious concerns over recent police actions during the Nabanna Avijaan protest organized by Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj. In his letter, Majumdar described the police response as "excessive" and "disproportionate," citing numerous detentions of student activists across Howrah, Kolkata, and other regions of West Bengal. He urged the Governor to intervene by addressing the alleged police misconduct and ensuring the unconditional release of the detained students, whom he claims are being held in violation of their democratic rights.

BJP leader Arjun Singh has alleged that a car belonging to Bhatarpara BJP leader Priyangu Pandey was fired upon, with six rounds reportedly discharged. The incident, captured on camera, shows some assailants targeting Pandey’s vehicle in Bhatarpara. BJP supporter Ravi Singh, who was in the car, sustained injuries. The accusations came amid a 12-hour bandh called by the state BJP, which also includes claims of targeted violence against its members.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a 12-hour bandh (strike) in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, to protest against the state government. The bandh, which began earlier today, has led to widespread disruptions across the region. Additional Superintendent of Police Dendup Sherpa stated, "Police personnel are deployed everywhere to maintain law and order in the state." Security measures are in place to manage the situation and ensure public safety during the bandh.

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over its handling of the student council's establishment, labelling it as an "imitation day" rather than a day of genuine establishment. Adhikari accused the TMC of "stealing" credit from original founders and deliberately delaying student council elections for the past nine years to prevent new student leaders from challenging the party's policies. He highlighted ongoing issues in the education sector under the TMC's tenure, including corruption, job sales, and exam paper leaks.

In Kolkata, public life continues to function normally despite a partial shutdown in certain areas of the district. The overall impact of the closure has been relatively limited, with most daily activities and services operating as usual.

In North 24 Parganas, Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers staged protests against the BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ call on August 17. The bandh led to significant disruptions in train services between Bangaon and Sealdah, although services are being gradually restored.

TMC leader Narayan Ghosh condemned the bandh, stating, "They want to make poor people suffer. They have come to West Bengal to do dacoity. Common and poor people are with Mamata Banerjee. West Bengal can't be stopped by doing such things," according to ANI.

In response to the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' called to protest against the state government, drivers of North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses in Cooch Behar were seen wearing helmets. The bandh was organized following a police crackdown involving lathi charges and tear gas used on protestors during the Nabanna Abhiyan the previous day. The BJP's protest is aimed at condemning the state government's actions and highlighting the alleged misuse of power by law enforcement.

Protesters stepped onto railway tracks at Barrackpur railway station. Bhagirath Express stopped for almost one and a half hours in Murshidabad. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dedicated this year’s Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day to the memory of a woman who tragically lost her life at RG Kar Hospital a few days ago. 

Expressing her heartfelt condolences, Banerjee extended her sympathies to the family of the victim who was brutally tortured to death. She also acknowledged the suffering of countless women across India who have faced similar inhumane acts, calling for swift justice.

Banerjee emphasized the critical role of students and youth in society, urging them to remain vigilant and committed to driving positive change. She encouraged students to inspire those around them with hope and dedication to a brighter future.

"My dear students, stay well, stay healthy, and stay committed to a bright future," Banerjee concluded in her address.

The ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ call was given by an unregistered student body 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and a dissident state government employees' platform 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha' who demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged rape-murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Massive clashes between police and protesters took place during the march to the state secretariate.

BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar called the 12-hour bandh between 6 am to 6 pm on Wednesday.

West Bengal government has said that the public offices will remain open along with public transport, as it opposes the bandh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour strike in West Bengal today in response to police action during a protest march to the state secretariat, Nabanna. The protest was organised over the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar criticised the state government, accusing it of ignoring public demands for justice. "We are compelled to call for a general strike as this autocratic regime turns a deaf ear to the voices of people seeking justice for the deceased doctor. Instead of delivering justice, Mamata Banerjee's police are targeting peace-loving citizens who only want a safe and secure environment for women," Majumdar said.