Bharat Bandh: The effect of Bharat Bandh was seen in West Bengal and Odisha, where seven protesters were detained

The impact of the Bharat Bandh, called by trade unions and farmers' organizations, is being seen in many parts of the country. In the morning itself, the bandh's impact was seen in many districts of West Bengal, Jadhavpur, Jalpaiguri, and Odisha. Before the situation worsened, the police took seven protesters into custody and sent them to the Kotwali police station.

Since Wednesday morning, a tense atmosphere has been seen in many districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, Jalpaiguri, and many districts of Odisha, regarding the Bharat Bandh. Bandh supporters gathered at major places in the city. Protests were held at bus stands, post offices, and other important places. The protesters tried to stop bus services, which created a tense situation at the local level.

Before the situation worsened, the police surrounded the bandh supporters from all sides, and seven protesters were taken into custody and taken to the Kotwali police station. The impact of the bandh was also seen on daily life for some time. A local woman said, "I work in a school, and now I am going there. The school is closed, but the government bus will run. I had left home on this confidence." Activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M)'s student wing, SFI, and youth wing DYFI gathered at the North Bengal State Transport Corporation depot in Shantipara, a major hub for long-distance bus services from Jalpaiguri.

Regarding the bandh, CPI(M) Jalpaiguri district leader Pradip Dey said, "Our workers have come out on the streets in support of the Bharat Bandh at different places. This bandh has been called in support of the legitimate demands of the people, and we are getting support from the public.

Unions of leftist parties protesting in Kolkata participated in the 'Bharat Bandh' called by 10 central trade unions, alleging that the central government is pushing economic reforms that weaken the rights of workers.

Pradip Dey also made serious allegations against the state government. He said, "The state government is using police force to thwart the bandh to please the BJP. At many places, police have tried to use force."

Suresh Routray, CIUT president from Khordha district of Odisha, said that the Modi government is only supporting Adani and Ambani but not the workers. We are demanding a minimum pension of Rs 9000 per month.