Bengal govt will counter the 12-hour shutdown: Partha

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Tuesday urged all government as well as private schools to remain open, assuring them that the state government will counter the 12-hour shutdown called by the BJP on Wednesday across the state.

"I had requested the private schools to remain open. I will again tell them to function normally as there is no need to fear. If the authorities feel we can provide protection to the students in their bus services," Chatterjee said.

Talking about some private schools declaring a holiday, Chatterjee said: "Why are they doing this even after my request? Why will the exams be deferred? I will take it very seriously as education minister as the state government is completely opposing the bandh."

He further said that in the future the government will not take any responsibility if they do not abide by his request this time.

Chatterjee requested all teachers, students, employees, and everyone to step out for work and keep Bengal moving.

The BJP has called a 12-hour shutdown in the state on Wednesday in protest against the deaths of two students allegedly in police firing in Islampur of North Dinajpur district on September 20.