Kolkata: The 12-hour statewide shutdown called by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday began at 6 am, partially disrupting normal life with less private vehicles on roads, low attendance in private offices and schools even as a BJP leader in North 24 Parganas claimed that his car was shot at by Trinamool Congress goons and the ruling party alleging that saffron party workers tried to force shut educational institutions.
A warning by the Mamata Banerjee government ensured that most government employees reported on duty as normal.
While the BJP supporters were seen on the streets from the morning, appealing to the people to shut down their establishments, TMC activists tried to oppose the shutdown and both sides were involved in minor scuffles and clashes.
The bandh has been called to protest against police action and detention on those who took part in a march to the state secretariat ‘Nabbana’ on Tuesday over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata.
On Wednesday, the police detained and arrested many BJP leaders and their followers across the state for allegedly disturbing public life.
Reports were reaching Kolkata that normal train services were affected as the bandh supporters blocked tracks.
BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi, who went to Barrackpore station to enforce a shutdown, was forced to leave the station, sources added.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul said her party activists were not forcing people to observe the bandh. “They are only appealing to join in the shutdown,” she added.
In North 24 Parganas, BJP leader Priyangu Pandey claimed that TMC goon hurled bombs and fired 6-7 rounds of bullets on his car. However, none was hurt.
The state government is opposed to the shutdown and called on the people and the government employees to maintain the normal services and attend their respective offices and work places.
“We urge people not to participate in it. All steps shall be taken to ensure that normal life is unaffected,” the chief advisor to the chief minister, Alapan Bandopadhyay, told a media conference on Tuesday.
