Mamata Banerjee for legislation to stop vandalism during bandhs

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said her government was contemplating to bring strong legislation against vandalism of public transport during bandhs.

"We shall not allow such vandalism anymore. The transport minister and transport secretary are working out the details," Banerjee told reporters.

Stating that some passengers were dragged out of a bus at Barasat by bandh supporters, the chief minister said the police took action immediately.

"We have proved how a bandh can be peaceful and without political clashes," she said, describing 'bandh' culture as the "CPI(M)'s failure, frustration and political bankruptcy."

Banerjee said the situation was peaceful during the bandh barring some stray incidents.

She said 710 people were arrested in the state with 666 arrests in the districts and 46 in Kolkata.

She said attendance at the state secretariat and government offices was 89 per cent. "It is more than on a normal day.

"We have been able to restore work culture, thanks to government employees and workers in the state. We are grateful to them," she said.

Banerjee said the shutdown was not opposed by her party as the people supported issues for which the bandh was called by the NDA and Left parties.