BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee Fears Major Protest in Bengal

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to suppress a major student protest, called the "Nabanna Abhiyan," scheduled for August 27.

Adhikari described Banerjee as a "tyrant" and criticized her for attempting to prevent students from participating in the protest, which is expected to draw over 30,000 people to the state secretariat, Nabanna. Adhikari, who plans to join the protest, claims that Banerjee's administration has issued orders through the School Education Department to prevent students from engaging in any unauthorized activities.

He denounced these actions, stating that they violate the freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the Supreme Court. The Calcutta High Court recently denied the state government's request for prohibitory orders against the protest, emphasizing that peaceful demonstrations should not be hindered.

Security in Kolkata has been heightened in anticipation of the march, with increased police presence and tighter security measures around Nabanna. Additionally, the city is witnessing a strike by junior doctors in response to the recent violent attack on a colleague.

Three individuals who identified themselves as organizers of the Nabanna Abhiyan—Prabir Das, Sion Lahiri, and Subhankar Halder—assert that they are independent students and not affiliated with any organization. Despite their claims, there is speculation of political involvement in the protest due to its wide amplification on social media.