Kolkata, Dec 1 (IANS) Industry body Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has expressed apprehension about frequent shutdowns in West Bengal, and warned that such agitations could impact investments in the state.
“With the state’s assembly election due in 2011, West Bengal might be experiencing frequent bandhs (shutdowns) by various political parties and the flow of investment may be impacted,” Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat said in a statement.

The report of the industry body came after the state experienced two shutdowns within a week’s time. While the Socialist Unity Centre of India called a dawn-to-dusk shutdown Nov 24, the Bharatiya Janata Party sponsored a similar protest Monday.

“The loss of production not only reduces the profit-making capacity of a company but it also affects its goodwill,” the chamber said and asked all political parties to keep from calling shutdowns.