Suspension of BJP MLAs in West Bengal Assembly triggers communal diatribe by legislators
The Hindu
Communal tensions rise in West Bengal Assembly as BJP legislators threaten Muslim MLAs, sparking protests and censure motion.
The protests over the suspension of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators from the West Bengal Assembly precipitated a communal diatribe on Wednesday, with the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the State Assembly Suvendu Adhikari threatening to “throw the Muslim MLAs outside the Assembly premises” when the BJP came to power.
The remark by the LoP did not go down well with Muslim MLAs of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), including Humayun Kabir and Siddiqullah Chowdhury, who threatened Mr. Adhikari with dire consequences if he did not withdraw his comment.
“I dare the LoP to withdraw the statement in 72 hours or else the 42 MLAs (Muslim MLAs of the TMC) will make him understand the consequences in the Assembly,” Mr. Kabir, the Bharatpur MLA, said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while speaking inside the House, accused the BJP of importing “fake Hinduism” to the State. Members of the Treasury Benches tabled a censure motion against the remark by Mr. Adhikari on “throwing Muslim MLAs out”.
BJP legislators protested against the motion, maintaining that the Leader of the Opposition remained suspended and had not made the statement inside the House.
BJP MLAs dressed in black clothes on Wednesday to protest against the suspension of Mr. Adhikari and four other MLAs. While Mr. Adhikari and three other BJP MLAs were suspended by Speaker Biman Banerjee on February 19, another BJP MLA was suspended by the Speaker for creating a ruckus in the House earlier this week.
The BJP’s Chief Whip Sankar Ghosh, who led the protests in the State Assembly, later expressed fears for Mr. Adhikari’s life, while speaking to journalists.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir urge Centre to reconsider banning socio-political groups, while BJP supports the move.
Standing Committee recommends renaming Agriculture Ministry to include farm labourers, demands comprehensive crop insurance plan for small farmers.
Tamil Nadu government continues special PDS despite rising subsidy bill, keeping prices unchanged for over 15 years.
After Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured protesting members that he would call a meeting of legislators after the Budget session to look into their problems, the BJP and Janata Dal (S) withdrew their dharna in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday on the issue of releasing honorarium from the State exchequer for Congress workers involved in the implementation of the five guarantee schemes.
Lok Sabha members from Congress and BJP unite to address the growing drug menace in India urgently.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticizes KCR's government for financial mismanagement and promises to prioritize education and job creation.
Washington waits for Moscow's response to Ukraine ceasefire proposal, lifting military aid freeze after Jeddah talks.
Madras High Court rules Sub-Registrars cannot register civil suit documents in encumbrance certificates, protecting landowners from fraud.
Karnataka Chief Minister allows re-examination of KAS preliminary exam amid allegations of malpractices and translation errors.
IGNCA and NSU collaborate to open 10th regional center in Tiruchanur, promoting Indian cultural arts and Sanskrit traditions.
Annual 'Maasi' car festival at Lord Subramaniya Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu with devotees participating in rituals and procession.
Tamil Nadu Panchayat Secretaries Association demands pension scheme inclusion and service benefits, threatens intensified protests in Chennai.
Kolkata Police to set up 24-hour outpost at Jadavpur University following clashes between students and officials.