The ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by the various trade unions today had little impact in Kolkata. The city remained mostly unaffected.

While elaborate security arrangements were made in the city, public transport was visible on the city roads. However, fewer people came out on the streets. The traffic flow remained smooth. Police presence was seen at every important intersection.

Although public sector banks remained closed; customers could access ATMs. Major markets remained open too.

Interestingly, the ruling Trinamool Congress also took out processions across the city to counter the bandh call.

“The bandh will be totally unsuccessful in Bengal. I will be personally monitoring the situation,” West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, said before leaving for Rome earlier today.

Sporadic Incidents

However, sporadic incidents where bandh supporters were involved in arguments and a tussle with the police were reported mostly from the southern parts of the city.

In certain parts of the city such as Behala and Lake Market, the supporters of the Left Front and TMC came dangerously close to each other and police had to intervene.

In Siliguri, the only bastion of the Left Front, the bandh was total with most shops and establishments remaining shut. The Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation and CPI(M) MLA from the area, Asok Bhattacharya, and some other senior Left Front leaders were arrested.

By Friday afternoon, several hundred bandh supporters were arrested from parts of Bengal.

Train Services

Train services in the suburban sections of the South Eastern Railway remained mostly normal.

However, according to a press release by SER, train services in some areas in Odisha have been “slightly affected” on account of agitations in Jaleswar, Balasore and Birpada stations.

“Normalcy resumed after withdrawal of agitation,” it said.

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