Tensions in West Bengal have surged following a 12-hour strike organized by the BJP, leading to reports of unrest, police brutality, and significant disruptions across the state. On August 28, 2024, the strike led to road and rail blockades and violent clashes.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the strike during the Foundation Day event of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad. She warned that if unrest continues in Bengal, it could spill over into Assam and the broader North-East region, affecting other parts of the country. “If Bengal is set on fire, then Assam will not stop, nor will the North-East. If the BJP creates unrest in the state, other regions will also come to a standstill,” Banerjee declared.
She accused the BJP of attempting to incite chaos through political maneuvers and warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi of nationwide repercussions if the disturbances persist.
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Abhishek Banerjee, also speaking at the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad event, criticized the BJP’s claims of a successful strike, asserting that the people of Bengal have rejected it.
The strike saw BJP workers block major roads and railways in Kolkata and other districts, prompting counter-protests from Trinamool workers. The clashes led to arrests and confrontations with the police. Reports from Barrackpore indicate an incident where a BJP worker was allegedly shot, leading to hospitalization.
Mamata Banerjee expressed support for the junior doctors’ movement but urged them to return to work gradually. She also indicated plans to call a special Legislative Assembly session next week to address these issues and advocated for stricter laws to combat crimes such as rape.