KOLKATA: Accusing TMC government of using "anti-democratic measures" to foil the general strike called by central trade unions in West Bengal, the Left Front today said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was opposed to the strike to present herself as a "valuable ally of BJP."
"The strike was called by the central trade unions against the policies of the Central government. So why did the state government oppose the strike call? Mamata Banerjee is trying to prove herself as a valuable ally of BJP so that the alliance between TMC and BJP is strengthened further," Bose told reporters.
"The anti-democratic measures that the state has taken to foil the strike is condemnable. Even BJP-ruled states have not taken such measures to call off the strike," Bose said.
The Left Front will organise a 'Protest Day' in the state tomorrow against the attack on its workers during today's strike, he said.
As many as 10 central trade unions had given the strike call over a 12-point charter of demands, including withdrawal of the proposed "anti-worker" amendments in labour laws and stopping disinvestment and privatisation of PSUs.
The strike, which was supported by 17 Left parties in West Bengal, has hit normal life in the state.
About 200 people were arrested from different parts of the state and clashes occurred at some places between the Left and Trinamool Congress workers.
"The combined brute force of police and TMC goons was itself a proof that the strike call was successful. It was due to their frustration over their failure to foil the strike that they resorted to such violent means," CITU state President Shyamal Chakraborty said.
Leader of Opposition and CPI-M leader Surjya Kanta Mishra said, "Irrespective of the terror let loose by TMC, the general strike in Bengal has been a complete success, as people
from all walks of life have supported the strike against the lawlessness situation in Bengal.
"This is a barbaric government which is using brute force of both police and goons to stop people from participating in the strike. The people have witnessed this today and they will give them (TMC) a befitting reply," he added.