BJP criticizes Mamata for opposing `Bengal bandh`

KOLKATA : Bhartia Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday criticized the chief minister of Paschimbangla  Mamata Banerjee for opposing the `Bengal bandh`.

Meanwhile, BJP questioned why Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress is opposing 31 May 12-hour `Bengal bandh` by adopting a "double standard".

"We found that even ministers of UPA partner Trinamool Congress hit the street to voice protest against hike in petrol prices. But the same party announced measures to oppose the BJP- sponsored bandh called on the same issue," state BJP Secretary Ritesh Tiwari said in a statement.

He also criticised the state government`s circular to its employees against absence from duty on May 31 and the caution against salary-cut and said these were "fascist" steps. "We have no hesitation to call these steps as fascist action.

"It is condemnable that the state government is bent on gagging democracy, for which the previous Left Front government had had to pay for," he said.

The BJP`s call for statewide shutdown is part of the NDA`s nationwide `Bharat bandh` programme. Tiwari said party workers would resort to road blockades and take out processions all over West Bengal.

BDST: 1509 HRS, MAY 31, 2012
Edited by: Maria Salam, Asst Output Editor