In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee suspended Leader of the Opposition Shuvendu Adhikari and three other BJP MLAs for 30 days following a heated protest in the assembly. The incident occurred after BJP MLAs demanded a discussion on the Saraswati Puja controversy, which recently led to tensions in Kolkata. The protest escalated as MLAs tore papers and threw them towards the Speaker’s chair, prompting strict action. This marks the fourth time in three-and-a-half years that Shuvendu Adhikari has been suspended from the assembly. Here’s a detailed account of the unfolding events.
The Trigger: Saraswati Puja Controversy – The controversy began when BJP MLAs, led by Agnimitra Paul, sought to discuss the Saraswati Puja issue in the assembly. The matter had earlier sparked tensions at Jogesh Chandra Law College in Kolkata, eventually reaching the courts. While the Speaker allowed the BJP to present their proposal, he denied a discussion on the topic. This decision infuriated the BJP MLAs, who then staged a protest in the assembly.
The Protest and Suspension: Shuvendu Adhikari, along with BJP MLAs Agnimitra Paul, Vishwanath Karak, and Bankim Ghosh, descended into the well of the assembly, tearing papers and throwing them towards the Speaker’s chair. The Speaker condemned their behavior as “highly condemnable” and warned of strict action. Following the protest, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Nirmal Ghosh proposed suspending the BJP MLAs for 30 days or until the end of the session. The proposal was put to a vote and passed unanimously by the MLAs present in the house.
Shuvendu Adhikari’s Reaction: After the suspension, Shuvendu Adhikari held a meeting with BJP MLAs to strategize their next steps. He defended his actions, stating, “I alone went into the well. Agnimitra Paul and Bankim Ghosh did not do anything, yet they were suspended.” Adhikari announced that BJP MLAs would boycott Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s speech in the assembly on Tuesday. Instead, they plan to stage a protest outside the assembly gates and address the public via social media during the CM’s speech.
TMC’s Criticism: The TMC criticized Shuvendu Adhikari’s behavior, calling it “unbecoming of a Leader of the Opposition.” They accused him of disrespecting the assembly by tearing official documents. However, Adhikari maintained that he had done nothing wrong and was standing up for the rights of the opposition.
Political Implications: This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal. With the BJP determined to challenge the ruling party and the TMC taking a firm stance, such clashes are likely to continue. The suspension of key opposition leaders raises questions about the functioning of the assembly and the space for dissent in the state’s political landscape.
The suspension of Shuvendu Adhikari and three BJP MLAs underscores the deepening rift between the opposition and the ruling party in West Bengal. As the BJP plans to boycott the Chief Minister’s speech and stage protests, the political atmosphere in the state remains charged. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining decorum and fostering constructive dialogue in legislative assemblies.