Why Was a BJP Legislator Suspended Following Chaos in the Bengal Assembly?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions in West Bengal are escalating, as seen in the recent assembly chaos.
- The BJP's protests highlight their discontent with the state government's handling of funds.
- The Chief Minister's speech focused on the impact of Union government policies on state projects.
- Future discussions in the assembly may be affected by the sub judice status of various matters.
- Public demonstrations by legislators indicate a shift in political strategy.
Kolkata, June 16 (NationPress) A scene of chaos erupted in the West Bengal Assembly on Monday, marking the sixth day of the Monsoon Session, as members of the BJP's legislative team staged protests during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's address. This led to the suspension of Manoj Kumar Oraon, the BJP legislator from the Kumargram Assembly constituency in Alipurduar district.
The duration of Oraon's suspension remains uncertain.
Following the announcement of his suspension by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay on Monday afternoon, BJP legislators protested initially within the House before proceeding to walk out.
Subsequently, they organized a sit-in demonstration on the Assembly lawn, displaying posters that criticized Oraon's suspension.
The uproar began when the Chief Minister commenced her speech, criticizing the Union government for halting funds for various centrally-sponsored projects in West Bengal.
“The Union government has ceased payments under the MGNREGA scheme. Dues owed to the West Bengal government for different centrally-sponsored projects are being rerouted to other states.
“Investigation teams have visited West Bengal, and the state government has responded to their inquiries. Yet, the payments have still been halted,” the Chief Minister stated.
As she spoke, BJP members, led by the party’s Chief Whip in the Assembly Shankar Ghosh, began to protest and chant slogans. Shortly after, the Speaker announced Oraon's suspension.
While protests unfolded, the Chief Minister remarked on the harassment faced by Bengali-speaking individuals in some other states, often being labeled as Bangladeshis.
Earlier in the day, as the proceedings commenced, BJP legislators requested a discussion on the current state of the education system in West Bengal.
However, their request was denied by the Speaker, who cited that the issue was sub judice and could not be addressed in the Assembly.
In their defense, BJP legislators argued that there have been instances in the past where sub judice matters were discussed on the Assembly floor.