Daily Commuters Face Harassment in Kolkata due to Bharat Bandh
Kolkata, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, was brought to a standstill on Wednesday as protesters blocked trains and took to the streets in various areas of the city, causing unrest and harassment to daily commuters and office-goers. The reason behind this chaos was the massive nationwide general strike, or “Bharat Bandh,” called by 10 central labor organizations across India in protest against central policies.
The Bharat Bandh, which was supported by over 10 crore workers from various sectors, aimed to put pressure on the government to roll back the proposed amendments to the labor laws, which the protesting unions claimed would benefit only the corporates and harm the interest of the workers. The strike, which was observed across the country, had a significant impact on the daily life of citizens in Kolkata, particularly the daily commuters and office-goers.
As the news of the strike spread, protesters began to block trains at various railway stations in the city, including Belgharia, Barrackpore, and Shyamnagar. The protesters, who were mostly from the labor unions and left-wing organizations, gathered at the railway stations and refused to allow trains to operate. This move, although intended to be a peaceful protest, had a devastating impact on the daily commuters who were left stranded at the stations.
The situation was no different on the streets of Kolkata. Protesters took to the streets in various areas of the city, including Esplanade, Sealdah, and Jadavpur, causing traffic jams and disrupting the normal flow of life. The protesters, who were chanting slogans and waving flags, also clashed with the police at some places, leading to minor injuries and arrests.
The impact of the Bharat Bandh was felt far and wide, with daily commuters and office-goers facing problems in reaching their destinations on time. The traffic jams caused by the protests made it difficult for people to reach their workplaces, and many were left stranded on the roads. The situation was particularly bad for those who rely on public transport, as the buses and autos were either delayed or not operational.
The city’s business and commercial hubs were also affected by the strike. Many shops and markets remained closed, and those that were open were forced to shut down early due to the lack of customers. The financial losses incurred by the business community during the strike were significant, and many are still reeling from the effects of the Bharat Bandh.
The authorities, however, were quick to respond to the situation. The Kolkata Police took steps to maintain law and order, and a large contingent of police personnel was deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any kind of violence or unrest. The police also negotiated with the protesters to try and resolve the situation peacefully.
In the aftermath of the Bharat Bandh, the city is still trying to recover from the effects of the strike. The daily commuters and office-goers are struggling to come to terms with the new normal, and many are still facing problems in reaching their destinations on time. The business community is also reeling from the financial losses incurred during the strike, and many are calling for the government to take steps to prevent such disruptions in the future.
In conclusion, the Bharat Bandh, which was intended to be a peaceful protest, had a significant impact on the daily life of citizens in Kolkata. The daily commuters and office-goers were left stranded, and the business community incurred significant financial losses. While the authorities took steps to maintain law and order, the situation was still chaotic, and it will take some time for the city to recover from the effects of the strike.
