Mamata vows to keep life normal on strike days

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee warned against any attempts to enforce a general strike called on 20 and 21 February by central trade unions and said that her government will ensure normal life in the state on the two days.

‘There will be no bandh and everything will remain open in West Bengal. We will ensure that life remains normal as on any other day and work does not suffer,’ Banerjee said at a foundation-laying ceremony for a Rs 1333 crore water project in the state.

The chief minister said that action would be taken in case of any attempt to damage shops and establishments by bandh supporters.Her government would also pay compensation in case of any damage due to the strike. ‘I will act as your security guard and my government will take care of those in case of any damage due to the strike,’ she said.

The chief minister urged teachers to attend schools and colleges on the days of strike and shopkeepers to keep their shops open. Three ISC exams scheduled during these two days have however been postponed.