Unrest in Kolkata as BJP Protests Against West Bengal's New Bar Employment Bill
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Synopsis
Tensions erupted in Kolkata as BJP supporters clashed with police during a rally protesting a Bill that allows women to work in ON-category liquor shops, challenging safety concerns amid recent violent incidents.
Key Takeaways
- BJP protests against a Bill lifting restrictions on women working in bars.
- Clashes with police occurred during the demonstration.
- The Bill modifies the Bengal Excise Act of 1909.
- Concerns raised about women's safety in nightlife venues.
- BJP leaders criticize the state government’s approach to women’s rights.
Kolkata, March 22 (NationPress) Tensions flared in a bustling sector of Kolkata on Saturday after confrontations erupted between BJP supporters and state police as the latter attempted to halt a rally organized by the party in response to a recent Bill endorsed by the West Bengal Assembly. This Bill modifies the Bengal Excise Act of 1909, eliminating restrictions that barred women from working in ON-category liquor establishments.
ON-category shops refer to venues where alcohol consumption is permitted on-site, contrasting with OFF-category shops, which solely sell liquor.
The demonstration, spearheaded by State BJP President and Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Sukanta Majumdar, alongside party member and fashion designer-turned-politician Agnimitra Paul, was obstructed by law enforcement on B.B. Ganguly Street in Kolkata.
BJP supporters attempted to advance, breaching police barricades, which led to a clash between the two groups.
Authorities stated that the restrictions on gatherings over a specific number of individuals had been imposed in the area, hence the protesters were not permitted to proceed.
In response, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar asserted that the police launched an unprovoked assault on the rally. He emphasized, "Previously, the Bengal Excise Act of 1909 contained provisions that limited women's employment in bars, pubs, and dance clubs. The Trinamool Congress has now altered this under the pretense of fostering equality. We, in the BJP, advocate for women's rights to work across all sectors. However, in light of the brutal rape and murder of a qualified doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who will guarantee the safety of women working in these bars and pubs? Will the police ensure their protection?"
Earlier this week, Amit Malviya, BJP's IT Cell Chief and special observer for West Bengal, also criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led administration for enacting the Bill that removes the restrictions on women's employment in ON-category liquor shops.
Malviya argued that the rationale provided by the Trinamool Congress government reflects a significant inconsistency.
He pointed out that while the West Bengal government introduced a program named 'Ratri Sathi', aimed at restricting women from working late at night in response to the R.G. Kar incident, the new legislation permitting women as barmaids in various nightlife venues under the guise of promoting equality represented a contradiction within the state government.
"What has fundamentally changed? Has Bengal suddenly become a safer place? Or is this merely a guise for TMC thugs to exploit women?" the BJP leader questioned.
