The MLAs insulted the speaker’s chair and raised anti-government slogans, all over a supposed ban on worship of the ‘Vidya Devi’
Agencies, Kolkata, Feb 17, 2025 : The West Bengal Assembly witnessed high drama on Monday as Speaker Biman Banerjee suspended Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari and three other BJP MLAs for the remainder of the budget session. The decision came after an alleged unruly protest by BJP legislators, who descended into the well of the House and threw official papers at the Speaker.
The suspension followed heated exchanges over a motion introduced by BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul regarding Saraswati Puja celebrations. Paul had raised concerns over alleged restrictions on the puja in certain educational institutions, particularly at Kolkata’s Jogesh Chandra Law College. When the Speaker declined a discussion on the matter, BJP MLAs protested by rushing to the well of the House and demanding a statement from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Speaker Biman Banerjee condemned the conduct of the BJP members, stating, “The actions of the opposition leader and several members—tearing official documents and throwing them toward my chair—are highly condemnable.” Following a motion moved by Trinamool Congress MLA Nirmal Ghosh, a vote was passed to suspend Adhikari, Paul (Asansol South MLA), Vishwanath Karak (Goghat MLA), and Bankim Ghosh (Chakdaha MLA) until the end of the session.
Political Fallout and BJP’s Response
Reacting to the suspension, Suvendu Adhikari accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of deliberately targeting BJP legislators who actively raise critical issues in the House. “Biswanath Karak was not even present in the Assembly, yet he was suspended. I descended into the well, but Agnimitra Paul and Bankim Ghosh were protesting from their seats—still, they were suspended,” he alleged.
The BJP staged a walkout in protest, with Agnimitra Paul launching a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government. “Mamata Banerjee’s government is anti-Hindu. Hindus are being cornered in West Bengal. We are witnessing that at various places in the state, jihadis are disrupting Saraswati Puja celebrations. We brought an Adjournment Motion in the Assembly, but we were not allowed to discuss it,” Paul told reporters.
Legal Developments and High Court Intervention
The Saraswati Puja controversy has been a flashpoint in West Bengal politics. Earlier, on February 2, the Calcutta High Court directed police to provide security for Saraswati Puja at Jogesh Chandra Law College following allegations that an outsider, Mohammed Shabbir Ali, had threatened students and attempted to prevent the celebrations. Justice Joy Sengupta ordered that a Joint Commissioner-level officer oversee the situation to maintain law and order.
Following the court’s intervention, students expressed relief, asserting their right to celebrate their religious festivals without interference.
As the budget session continues amid tensions, the suspension of key opposition leaders is expected to deepen the political rift between the ruling TMC and the BJP in West Bengal.
