BJP calls 12-hour Bengal shutdown on April 30

The BJP on Monday called a 12-hour shutdown in West Bengal on April 30 to protest against the "violence" and "rampant unethical practices" resorted to by the ruling Trinamool Congress during the recent civic polls.

The call coincides with the 12 hour statewide general strike called by the main opposition Left Front. Several trade unions, including those affiliated to constituents of the Left Front and the Congress, have also called a general strike in Bengal on that day when they have also called a 24-hour nationwide transport strike.

Giving the shutdown call, state Bharatiya Janata Party president Rahul Sinha said his party was protesting the "foul play" by the Trinamool in the civic polls.

"This (shutdown) is in protest against the violence and rampant irregularities and to save democracy. I appeal to the Congress to call a shutdown on the same day," he told media persons here.

Left Front spearhead Communist Party of India-Marxist and its trade union front CITU welcomed BJP's announcement.

"I welcome this move. There is a need for unified struggle and hope the Congress will also give a call for a shutdown," said CPI-M central committee member and Centre of Indian Trade Unions state president Shyamal Chakraborty.

--Indo-Asian New Service

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