Clash Between BJP and TMC MLAs in West Bengal Assembly During Debate on Minority Bill. 5 BJP MLAs Suspended. Mamata Banerjee Attacks BJP. Proceedings Adjourned for Some Time.
Kolkata. A significant uproar occurred in the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday during a discussion on a bill related to minorities. A heated debate ensued between BJP and TMC MLAs, which quickly escalated into a brawl. The controversy grew to such an extent that the Assembly Speaker had to call for marshals. Due to the chaos, 5 BJP MLAs, prominently including BJP Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh, were suspended.
The list of suspended BJP MLAs includes Bankim Ghosh, Ashok Dinda, Agnimitra Paul, Shankar Ghosh, and Mihir Goswami. Amidst the commotion, Shankar Ghosh's health deteriorated, and he was immediately provided with medical assistance.
Mamata Banerjee's Sharp Attack on BJP
During the uproar in the Assembly, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized the BJP. She labelled the BJP as a "party of vote thieves" and stated that they are attacking the Bengali language and culture. Mamata alleged that the BJP is dividing the country and misleading the public by invoking religion.
She further remarked that the people of Bengal shed blood in the freedom struggle, a time when the BJP had not even been formed. Mamata warned that a day will come when the people of Bengal will not vote for the BJP, and not a single MLA from their party will remain in the Assembly.
BJP's Retaliation
BJP MLAs bly opposed Mamata Banerjee's statements. The party accused the TMC of minority appeasement and claimed that Mamata Banerjee is misleading the public. The Assembly proceedings had to be adjourned for some time due to the ruckus.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari condemned the incident and described it as a physical attack. He stated that despite the suspension, their MLAs protested and presented their views. BJP National President J.P. Nadda also intervened in the matter and inquired about the health of Shankar Ghosh and Bankim Ghosh.
Reason Behind the Uproar
According to political analysts, the uproar began over a bill that discussed the rights and protection of minorities. TMC MLAs argued in favour of the bill, while the BJP opposed it, deeming it controversial.
The BJP alleges that the bill, in the name of providing special privileges to minorities, disregards the rights of the majority. Conversely, the TMC maintains that the bill is solely in the interest of the weaker sections of society and does not diminish the rights of any community.
Amidst the protests and allegations, the atmosphere became heated, making it difficult to maintain peace in the Assembly. Consequently, the Speaker had to call for marshals and suspend the MLAs.
