Lukewarm Response To CPI(M)-led Anti-Demonetisation Bandh In West Bengal

Train and flight movement was normal, most vehicles hit the streets, and markets and shops mostly did normal business, as the 12-hour general strike called by 18 Left and other parties against demonetisation, evoked lukewarm response in West Bengal today (28 November).

Schools and colleges remained open, though attendance was less than usual, while offices and business establishments functioned normally throughout the state. In Kolkata, Metro services were normal, auto rickshaws and taxis were on the roads, and only a few private buses did not ply. The Barrackpore industrial zone in neighbouring North 24 Parganas district saw heavy attendance of workers in the jute mills and other industrial unit, notwithstanding the state-wide shutdown called to protest against the harassment faced by people following the Centre's move. The strike supporters put up a roadblock on Jessore Road, but the police removed them.

The Left parties took out a procession in Jadavpur, a strong communist stronghold. The parties had decided to observe a week-long mass mobilisation from 24 to 30 November against the "miseries imposed on the people" due to demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and 500 currency notes.

With inputs from IANS.