Two-day Bengal bus strike evokes lukewarm response

The two-day bus strike in West Bengal beginning today failed to evoke much response as transport services in the metropolis and surrounding areas were largely unaffected.
Both state transport and private buses operated normally.
As the bus operators remained firm on their two-day strike across West Bengal to demand hike in bus fares, state Transport Minister Madan Mitra refused to accept their demand and warned of strong action in case there was any law and order problem.
"The state government won't succumb to the pressure of a section of bus operators under any circumstances and the question doesn't arise of a hike in bus fares immediately," Mitra said, while monitoring the situation by personally going from one place to another in the city.

Some passengers waiting at various bus stops said government buses and trams were not adequate as assured by the minister.
The police said there was no report of law and order problem or violence from anywhere in the city or districts so far.

The strike was called by a section of bus and minibus operators led by the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates, while the Bengal Bus Syndicate, the biggest bus operators' body, has not joined the strike. Taxis and auto-rickshaws were also operating in full strength since morning.
"Employees of all transport corporations were kept ready in all depots from last night to operate buses from early today. Same arrangement will continue till the end of the strike," the minister said.

Accusing the striking bus operators of working in close concert with the CPI(M), Mitra said all measures had been taken to avoid any untoward incident.
"The striking bus operators are working in close coordination with the CPI(M). If they take law and order in their own hands, the government knows how to deal with such goons," Mitra warned.
Mitra said he had also asked people to maintain a strict vigil in their areas and report to the police and the administration if there was any disruption of law and order anywhere in the state.
Earlier, the minister had threatened to take back permits of the vehicles joining the strike.