Life in entire east India has almost come to a standstill due to a general strike called by opposition parties in the country led by the major four Left parties.

The parties, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the other main opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, called the strike protesting against the hike in petroleum prices, cap on subsidized liquid petroleum gas cylinders and foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail by the central government.

Opposition supporters blocked railways tracks and road traffic was totally paralyzed in eastern state of West Bengal and other states of east India as well as north east India.

Majority of the shops of were closed and most of the people stayed away from attending offices.

In West Bengal there has been sporadic reports of clashes between supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the ruling Trinamool Congress in many parts.

The police said 24 strike supporters were arrested as they tried to close shops.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged their supporters were injured after being beaten up by the Trinamool Congress workers along with the police.