‘Left Destroyed Bengal By Calling Bandhs’: Mamata Banerjee Takes Strong Stance Against 2-Day Nationwide Strike

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (7 January 2019) came down heavily against the two-day nationwide strike called by some 10 central trade unions, lambasting the strike culture in general and stating that her government will not allow employees to take leave in support of the strike, reports Deccan Chronicle.

"I do not want to spend a single word on this. In West Bengal, we have taken a stand of not supporting any bandh. Enough is enough. In the last 34 years, they (Left Front) have destroyed the state by calling bandh. There will be no bandh," Banerjee said to journalists at the state secretariat.

The state government has announced that its employees will be disallowed from availing any sort of leave today (8 January) and tomorrow (9 January). Employees will also not be granted leave on any days close to the period of the strike.

The state government also declared that an additional 500 buses will ply throughout the city during the strike; the police have been taking preventative measures against any possible disturbances.

Private bus owners, taxi associations, as well as cabs operating through smartphone apps, have all decided to not participate in the strike and carry on with work normally.

“Anybody trying to disrupt normal life in the city will face strict action. Nobody will be allowed to put up barricades and stop people from trying to open shops or visiting offices. Market places, shops, malls, and every business entities will be operating normally,” a police official stated.