Transportation ground to a halt in West Bengal as protesters blocked roads and rails from Farakka to Chakulia, igniting a political firestorm. The BJP has seized on the chaos to question the Mamata government’s handling of law and order, calling it a ‘complete failure of governance.’
What started as a localized demonstration over unmet demands snowballed into hours-long paralysis. Highways overflowed with immobilized trucks and cars, while railway lines saw multiple trains stuck, stranding passengers in sweltering heat. Police deployment was criticized for being inadequate, with reports of tense confrontations between agitators and forces.
Senior BJP figures, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, took to social media to lambast the state leadership. ‘West Bengal under TMC is descending into lawlessness—today’s blockade is just the tip of the iceberg,’ Pradhan tweeted, urging central intervention. Party workers staged parallel protests in Kolkata, amplifying their message.
Background checks reveal this isn’t an isolated event; similar disruptions have plagued the area amid disputes over development projects and resource allocation. Clearance operations involved heavy negotiations, restoring road access but leaving rail routes disrupted overnight.
The episode underscores deepening rifts between the ruling TMC and opposition, with accusations flying on all sides. As cleanup continues, commuters recount harrowing experiences, fueling calls for accountability. With elections on the horizon, this could prove a pivotal moment in Bengal’s volatile political landscape.