The Tragic Incident Sparking Protests
On the night of August 9, 2024, a lady doctor from RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered. The victim’s family has accused the former principal of the hospital, Sandip Ghosh, and other administrative officials of misleading them by initially stating that their daughter had committed suicide. This incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the Mamata Banerjee-led government’s handling of the case.
What is Nabanna Abhiyan?
Nabanna Abhiyan refers to a protest march aimed at the Nabanna building, the state secretariat of West Bengal, located in Howrah. The term “Nabanna” signifies “new” in Bengali. Originally, the state secretariat was housed in the Writers’ Building, but after Mamata Banerjee’s government came into power in 2011, the secretariat was moved to Nabanna, a 14-storey building situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. The Chief Minister’s office is located on the top floor, while the Home and Chief Secretary’s offices are on the 13th floor.
The Nabanna Abhiyan movement initially began as a campaign led by the BJP to protest against alleged corruption within the Mamata Banerjee government. Over time, the movement gained traction among leftist student organizations, who also adopted the Nabanna Abhijan slogan to voice their grievances. The recent protests in Kolkata following the rape-murder case have been named “Nabanna Abhijan,” reflecting the growing discontent against the state government.
Security Measures in Place
In anticipation of the protests, Kolkata has been turned into a fortress. The Kolkata Police, along with the Howrah City Police, have implemented a three-layered security system around Nabanna. More than 6,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order. Despite the heavy security presence, a large number of people are expected to participate in the protest, adding to the growing pressure on Mamata Banerjee’s government.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The BJP has expressed its support for the Nabanna Abhiyan protests, while the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy to destabilize the state government. As the protest gains momentum, the situation in West Bengal remains tense, with the Nabanna Abhijan emerging as a significant challenge for Mamata Banerjee’s administration.
