Bharat Bandh remains mostly ineffective in West Bengal
Kolkata, Sept 10 (IBNS): The Bharat Bandh called by the opposition parties across the country to protest against rising fuel prices remained mostly ineffective in West Bengal.
People in large numbers came out on the streets and attendance in government offices, including state secretariat Nabanna, stood at almost 98% on a day which marked the beginning of a new week.
Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government has said rallies will be held in the state but there will not be any strike.
The TMC website had earlier said: "To protest against the rising fuel prices and other anti-people policies of the Centre, Trinamool Congress will organise a protest march on September 10. On the same day, other Opposition parties have called for Bharat Bandh. Although, Trinamool supports the issues, the party does not believe in bandh culture."
Kolkata:
Congress and Left activists blocked roads at Hazra, Manicktala, Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand, Dumdum Cant. and Shyambazar Five Point crossing.
Congress supporters blocked railway tracks at Jadavpur for few minutes.
Congress and CPI-M held rallies in favour of the strike at few locations in Kolkata and Salt Lake.
WBTC ran 800 extra buses to keep city's transportation normal while 8000 police personnel were deployed in the state capital to avoid any untoward situation.
Government offices, including state secretariat Nabanna, recorded almost 98% attendance of state government employees.
Metro, ferry, bus, suburban train and flight services were almost normal in the city.
Howrah:
Congress supporters tried to stop buses at Panchanantala area. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control soon.
Left supporters blocked Howra-Amta road at Sanpur area near Dasnagar and when police tried to lift the blockade, they engaged in a scuffle with each other. Windshield of a bus was allegedly damaged by the strikers.
Hooghly:
Left activists blocked railway tracks at Serampore and Dankuni stations.
Meanwhile, strike supporters blocked railway tracks and roads at several areas in South and North 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Burdwan, Purulia, Bankura, Malda, North and South Dinajpur, and Alipurduar districts.
In Murshidabad, maximum shops were closed and very few vehicles were noticed on the roads.
Strike supporters burned effigies of PM Narendra Modi at several locations.
(With inputs by Deepayan Sinha, Image: Wikimedia Commons)
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