Why Did Bengal Assembly Speaker Suspend 5 BJP Legislators on September 4?
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Synopsis
On September 4, chaos erupted in the West Bengal Assembly as BJP legislators protested, leading to their suspension by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay. This decision has sparked discussions on parliamentary conduct and the role of the Speaker in maintaining order. Explore the implications of this incident and the reactions that followed.
Key Takeaways
- Speaker actions defended as necessary for order.
- Protests during assembly disrupt legislative proceedings.
- Hospitalizations raise concerns about treatment of legislators.
- Political implications for BJP and assembly conduct.
- Importance of decorum in maintaining democratic processes.
Kolkata, Sep 5 (NationPress) The Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, Biman Bandopadhyay, publicly defended his decision on Friday to suspend five BJP legislators consecutively in less than two hours during the last day of the special assembly session on September 4.
On the previous day, BJP legislators had begun protesting and chanting slogans, moving to the Well of the House while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the motion regarding the harassment of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-governed states.
In response to the chaos, the Speaker suspended the five BJP members one after another.
The protests were sparked by the suspension of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, on the second day of the special session.
Two suspended legislators, Shankar Ghosh, the Chief Whip of the BJP’s legislative party, and fellow party member Bankim Ghosh, were hospitalized after being reportedly mishandled by assembly marshals.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Bandopadhyay stated that the suspensions and the call for marshals were necessary measures taken in accordance with legal provisions.
“Some may view me as biased, but my position is not. No one is above criticism,” he expressed.
He noted that the incidents involving the marshals and the hospitalization of the Chief Whip were unfortunate, adding that one of the marshals was also hospitalized.
“If BJP legislators had adhered to assembly regulations, I wouldn't have had to resort to such measures. When force is used in the assembly, it becomes imperative to intervene. The legislators should have exercised more restraint. There has never been a physical altercation in the assembly. My actions were purely legal,” Bandopadhyay emphasized.
On Thursday, J.P. Nadda, the BJP national president, reached out to Adhikari to check on the health of the hospitalized legislators, requesting photos and videos of the altercation with the marshals as evidence.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this incident with impartiality. The actions taken by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay highlight the delicate balance between maintaining order in legislative proceedings and respecting the rights of opposition members. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of decorum in democratic institutions, reinforcing the need for all parties to adhere to assembly rules.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the suspension of the BJP legislators?
The suspension was prompted by protests from the BJP legislators during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's address regarding issues faced by Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states.
How did the Speaker justify his actions?
Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay justified his actions by stating they were in accordance with legal provisions to maintain order in the assembly.
What happened to the suspended legislators?
Two of the suspended legislators, Shankar Ghosh and Bankim Ghosh, were hospitalized after being reportedly mishandled by assembly marshals.
What was the reaction from BJP leadership?
BJP national president J.P. Nadda reached out to suspended legislators to inquire about their health and requested photographic evidence of the incidents involving the marshals.
What does this incident signify for parliamentary procedures?
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining decorum and following established procedures within legislative bodies.
