Kolkata protest leads to clash between police and BJP

A scuffle occurred in Kolkata between the police and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers during a protest. The protest was against a bill that allows women to work in bars. BJP leaders, including Roopa Ganguly and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, participated in the demonstration. On Wednesday, the West Bengal assembly passed the bill, which was introduced by Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya. The West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025, aims to change the Bengal Excise Act from 1909 to permit women to be employed in "ON" category liquor shops. These shops allow customers to drink alcohol on the premises. Bhattacharya explained that the government wants to eliminate discrimination between men and women. The BJP has criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for this new law. The protests reflect ongoing tensions between the two political parties in West Bengal.