Watch: Bus Drivers Report to Duty Wearing Helmets During Bengal Bandh in Kolkata

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour Bengal bandh today, August 28. During the bandh, drivers of government buses were advised to wear helmets to protect themselves from any incidents of violence.

The drivers in several districts, including Kolkata and Cooch Behar, were seen operating while wearing helmets.

The 12-hour bandh will be observed from 6 am to 6 pm following the violence unleashed on Nabanna Abhijan protestors by Calcutta Police.

The drivers took this precaution out of fear of potential violence.

The BJP called for the bandh demanding presidential rule and accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being responsible for the violence and brutality during student protests yesterday.

Speaking to the media, one bus driver said, "Today is bandh, so we are wearing helmets. We are a bit scared."

Another driver from the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) added, "The department has given us helmets to wear for safety."

Alapan Bandopadhyay, chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stated that the government would not permit any bandh on Wednesday.

In response, the West Bengal government issued a notification indicating that all government offices would remain open on August 28. The notification also mentioned that all state government employees, except those facing difficulties or on leave, would be required to report for duty on Wednesday or face a show-cause notice for unauthorized absence.