Protests erupted in Kolkata today as BJP supporters took to the streets, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Following the violence and murder of medical students, the BJP called for a 12-hour shutdown across West Bengal. Demonstrations quickly turned violent, with extensive vandalism and arson reported.
In North 24 Parganas, BJP workers blocked railway tracks and attempted to forcibly close metro station gates. The police acted swiftly, detaining seven BJP workers at the scene. Kolkata Police also arrested student leader Sayan Lahiri, the organizer of the Nabanna Abhiyan and a member of the West Bengal Student Society. Reports suggest that Lahiri met with several leaders at a five-star hotel in Kolkata prior to the campaign.
Elsewhere, clashes between BJP and TMC workers broke out in Nadia, with both sides engaging in violent confrontations. In North Dinajpur, incidents of arson were reported, while in Murshidabad, a person was assaulted by BJP supporters, leading to further unrest. In Howrah, bus drivers resorted to wearing helmets while driving to protect themselves from the escalating violence.
All BJP leaders participated in the 12-hour bandh, with BJP leader Agnimitra Paul sharply criticizing the Mamata government. “The Mamata government’s approach is disgraceful,” Paul said. “They lack integrity and have ignored the Supreme Court’s orders. The police mixed chemicals with water to attack protesters. This government has utterly failed to ensure the safety of women.”
The situation remains tense, with police and protestors clashing in multiple locations across the state.