Resuming at 257 for five, Bengal benefitted most from a Shukla dropped chance behind the stumps on 78 as they made mincemeat of a listless Assam attack on a frustrating second day for the opponents.
Shukla was again dropped twice by Assam glovesman Kunal Saikia after completing his century, while Saha got a breather at first slip when on 64 as the two piled on misery for their opponents in a 417-run stand -- all time third highest first-class partnership for the sixth wicket.
Batting at No 7, the former Bengal skipper put up a disciplined batting display before demolishing the Assam attack and notched up his best score in his 100th first-class match.
Shukla struck three sixes and 35 boundaries in his 481 minute innings from 355 balls, while wicketkeeper-batmsan Saha extended the senior-most Bengal pro perfect support in his knock studded with two sixes and 15 fours (516 minutes, 355 balls).
If yesterday's unbroken partnership was all about building the Bengal innings brick-by-brick, Shukla and Saha today made Assam bowlers run for cover as the duo ruled supreme barring the few odd chances.
With Assam bowlers at the receiving end, Arlen Konwar (1/174) had a torrid time especially when Shukla demolished the off-spinner for three fours and two sixes in one over. Finally in the post-tea session, veteran Sridharan Sriram brought an end to the big partnership that began in the post-lunch session yesterday, when the left-arm spinner bowled a stepped-out Shukla just after notching 250.
It was some sort of a disappointment for Saha who was denied a double century by 22 runs as Bengal declared their innings after 167 overs. Assam were 10 for no loss at stumps on day two.
Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwary did not turn up for the day because of high fever and it remains to be seen whether he takes the field tomorrow.
Brief Scores:
Bengal 1st Innings: 562/6 declared in 167 overs (Laxmi Ratan Shukla 250, Wriddhiman Saha 178). Assam 10 for no loss in 4 overs (Dhiraj Jadhav 10 batting).