Speaker Biman Banerjee says 'Police could have been more sensitive' during Bikash Bhavan teacher protest

Unemployed teachers protesting outside Bikash Bhavan in Canning were met with a police lathicharge, resulting in multiple injuries among the demonstrators. The protest was organized to demand clarity and action on pending government recruitment for teaching positions. Police stated they were forced to use minimum necessary force after protestors attempted to break into the building and violate Section 144 imposed in the area.

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee addressed the incident, stating that "police could have been a bit more sensitive." However, he did not support the protestors’ method of entering the premises by force, saying, "The way the lock was broken and the gate was damaged, I cannot support that." He also noted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stands with the unemployed youth affected by recruitment delays.

The police explained that the action was necessary to evacuate government employees trapped inside the Salt Lake campus during a related incident last Thursday. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has warned that the Assembly session on June 9 could face disruptions over this issue. The Speaker responded, "Let June 9 come first, then we’ll see."