BJP calls for 12-hour bandh in Basirhat, to observe 'black day' in West Bengal today

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday called for a 12-hour ‘bandh’ in West Bengal’s Basirhat and decided to observe a ‘black day’ in the entire state on Monday against the killing of two of its party workers on Saturday in post-poll clashes in North 24 Parganas district.

The BJP wanted to cremate the bodies of the workers who died the clash on the Basanti highway. Hundreds of workers gathered at the spot and preparations had started for a funeral pyre. But later, they decided to change their mind, announcing a series of protests, including a state-wide "Black Day".

The party will also hold a rally to Lalbazar, the police headquarters, on June 12. 

Rahul Sinha, BJP: Party has called a 12-hour 'bandh' in Basirhat and in entire West Bengal tomorrow, we will observe black day. BJP will move court over Police role. Remains of the deceased are being taken to their native places for funeral. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/1Qe9LRgwfv

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2019

“The party has called a 12-hour 'bandh' in Basirhat, and in the entire West Bengal tomorrow, we will observe a black day. The BJP will move court over the police role. The remains of the deceased are being taken to their native places for funeral,” BJP national secretary told news agency ANI.

The Centre on Sunday expressed "deep concern" over continuing violence in West Bengal, saying the "unabated violence" even after the Lok Sabha polls appears to be a failure on part of the state government.

In an advisory to the West Bengal government, the Ministry of Home Affairs also asked it to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility.

"The unabated violence over the past weeks appears to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery of the state to maintain the rule of law and inspire confidence among people," the advisory said.

The central government expressed "deep concern" over continuing violence in West Bengal even after the general elections, an MHA official said. It was "strongly advised" to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility, the advisory said.

"It is also requested to take strict action against officials found delinquent in discharge of their duty," it said.

Earlier too, there have been reports of violence in which people lost lives in various parts of West Bengal, the official said, quoting the advisory. 

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi said he will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday to congratulate him on his re-election, dismissing media reports that he would brief the prime minister on the post-poll situation in the state.

He, however, expressed concern about the clashes between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP on Saturday in North 24 Parganas district in which four people were killed.

"I had sought an appointment with the prime minister to congratulate him (on winning the Lok Sabha elections and becoming the PM again). I have come here for that," Tripathi told PTI over phone from New Delhi.

On media reports that he would be submitting a report on the violence during his meeting with Modi, the governor said, "There is no such thing scheduled. I did not have time earlier (to go to Delhi to congratulate Modi) and had sought time for a meeting with the PM. I have been given time tomorrow."

Tripathi, however, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and victims of Saturday's clashes.

(With PTI inputs)