Kolkata, Aug 21: The Socialist Unity Centre of India and CPI-ML (Liberation)-sponsored 24-hour West Bengal bandh began here this morning amidst tight security. Bandh supporters blocked railway tracks in Sealdah and Howrah section of the eastern railway, according to railway sources.
Government buses and trams were plying as usual but the number of private buses was less, official sources said, adding shops and other business establishments in many areas of the city opened as on any other day. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere across the state, the sources said.
The bandh is in protest of alleged "misrule" of the CPI (M)-led Left Front government, besides recent increase in hospital, educational fees, land revenues and electricity rates. The CPI (M) has described the bandh as "uncalled for and politically-motivated".
The Trinamool Congress has provided tacit support to the bandh saying it supported the issues over which it has been called.
The Congress has said it has no role in the planned shutdown. Bureau Report