Four BJP MLAs in West Bengal, including Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the party’s state general secretary Agnimitra Paul, have faced a one-month suspension from the state assembly due to disruptive protests. The legislators allegedly tore documents and threw them at the Speaker while voicing their concerns over perceived attempts to hinder Saraswati Puja celebrations in educational institutions.
In addition to Adhikari and Paul, two more BJP legislators, Bankim Ghosh and Biswanath Karak, were also suspended by the Speaker.
Earlier, BJP MLAs introduced a motion in the Legislative Assembly aimed at discussing allegations of intimidation surrounding the organization of Saraswati Puja. Despite the Speaker allowing the motion to be presented, no discussion was permitted, sparking protests within the Assembly. Some legislators moved to the well of the House, leading Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay to issue warnings about their behavior. The BJP legislators subsequently staged a walkout.
Following their exit, Trinamool Congress leader Nirmal Ghosh proposed the suspension of Suvendu Adhikari and the others. The Speaker upheld this motion, resulting in a 30-day suspension for the four BJP MLAs.
Agnimitra Paul addressed reporters outside the Assembly, highlighting that Saraswati Puja had to be conducted under police supervision in certain locations, including a law college in Kolkata, based on a directive from the Calcutta High Court. She emphasized that the walkout was a protest against the Speaker’s refusal to discuss the adjournment motion presented by the BJP.
