By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net
Kolkata: General strike called by seven Left trade unions affected the normal lives in all districts of West Bengal including Kolkata. There are reports of clashes between striking workers and ruling party workers in several places. The strike was part of nationwide one-day strike by workers to protest anti-worker policies of the government.
Shops in Kolkata closed supporting the strike. Suburban train services were disrupted due to railway stations blocked in several places.
Government-run buses were seen in large numbers as private numbers dwindled. Most of the buses were without any passengers.
Government offices were open and attendance was more than 90 percent according to the government. Some of the government employees stayed overnight in the office to comply with the circular that attendance on the strike day is mandatory.
In Murshidabad, Trinamul Congress (TMC) workers attacked Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA Insar Ali Biswas when he was organizing a rally in favour of the strike. Biswas was admitted to the hospital. A former Member of Parliament Mainul Hassan was hit by police in Berhampur. In Siliguri police arrested CPIM leader Ashok Bhattacharya when he tried to block the road.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told the media in her office that strike failed to make much impact in her state. Criticizing the “Strike Culture” of CPIM, she said this bad habit needs to be changed now.
CM Banerjee also said that employee attendance in government offices which is usually 91% climbed to 93% on Wednesday. She said that she wants to end the “Band Culture” in the state.
State Left Front Chairman Biman Bose said, strike in West Bengal very successful. He said that the ruling party used its party cadres and police to crush the strike but they failed.