Kolkata: Trinamool Congress against CAA, but will not support January 8th Bandh called by Left, Congress
The Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal is making sure that Kolkata will not see a shutdown in the wake of the 24-hour nationwide bandh called by Left Front and Congress on Wednesday against NRC and CAA.
Though Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been vocal against BJP led Centre’s decision on National Register Of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she will not extend support to the bandh.
Mamata asked all government employees to be present at work on Wednesday and said that no leaves will be considered. “We are not supporting the bandh and business will be as usual in West Bengal,” said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Tuesday.
State Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari said State Transport units will operate 22% additional buses. This includes 1150 buses operated by West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) as opposed to 900 buses on normal days.
South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) will operate 826 buses instead of 692 buses while North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) is ready to operate 655 buses as opposed to 605 buses.
The State government has also said that vehicles registered within the State will receive insurance coverage upto Rs 6 lakh and damaged vehicles will be covered under insurance during the period of the bandh. This is provided necessary papers are in place and an FIR be lodged within 24 hours of the incident.
The bandh is expected to see lesser number of vehicles and commuters are anticipating trouble in getting to their respective destinations. The State government assurances however are likely to ease fears.
