BJP activists on Thursday hit the streets in Kolkata to protest against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ruling Trinamool Congress government. The state BJP's 'Lalbazaar Abhiyan' on Thursday turned into a violent affair as police and protesters clashed. The agitators threw bricks at the police, who then used water canon to disperse them.
Lalbazaar is the headquarters of Kolkata Police and the protest rally has been organized against police atrocities during the recently concluded civic polls, several false charges against BJP functionaries, attack on the media and the deteriorating law and order situation.
The protest is also asking for the arrest of Tipu Sultan Mosque Shahi Imam, Maulana Nurur Rehman Barkati, for making anti-India remarks.This comes two days after clashes during the Left Front’s ‘March to Nabanna’ road show in Kolkata.
The clashes during the Left Front’s march left several persons, including journalists, injured.BJP MP Roopa Ganguly claimed that party workers were heading towards city Police headquarter at Lalbazar to submit a deputation.
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The state BJP’s protest is known as ‘Lalbazaar Abhiyaan’ accused the Trinamool Congress of kidnapping and forcing the Naxalbari tribal couple who had hosted BJP president Amit Shah during his recent visit, to join TMC.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Opposition’s huddle to decide on a consensus candidate for the presidential poll, CM Banerjee will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to seek more funds for her state for tackling the financial crisis and Ganga erosion.
During her stay in the capital, Mamata is also likely to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi.BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and state president Dilip Ghosh were arrested by the cops and taken to the Burrabazar police station.
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“Our party workers will march towards police headquarters from Howrah station, College Square and Esplanade. Our rally will be peaceful, but for any untoward incident/clash the city police will be responsible,” BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu had said earlier in the day.Sources said the city police have decided to be extra careful while dealing with the crowd.
More than 3,000 policemen, Rapid Action Force, Radio Flying Squad and combat forces will be deployed in all the exit and entry points of Lalbazaar to restrict the BJP workers from reaching close to the police headquarters.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the BJP and CPM had resorted to violence. She also said that they had beaten police including women and burnt govt properties.
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