Chaos Erupts in Bengal Assembly as BJP Legislators Walk Out Over Tourism in Tea Gardens
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Synopsis
On February 19, the West Bengal Assembly saw unrest as BJP MLAs walked out after the Speaker refused to discuss an adjournment motion related to the state's tea sector and government decision to allocate 30% of tea garden land for tourism.
Key Takeaways
- BJP legislators protested against the Speaker's refusal.
- 30% of tea garden land is to be used for tourism.
- Suvendu Adhikari plans a rally in North Bengal.
- Bimal Gurung may join the upcoming rally.
- LoP suspended for a month due to unruly behavior.
Kolkata, Feb 19 (NationPress) The West Bengal Assembly experienced significant turmoil on Wednesday as BJP legislators executed a walkout following the Speaker's refusal to entertain their request for a discussion on an adjournment motion concerning an issue in the state's tea sector.
The adjournment motion revolved around the state government's recent decision to allocate 30 percent of land designated for tea gardens for tourism purposes. The BJP’s legislative team opposed this move and sought to advance an adjournment motion for discussion.
When their request was declined, the BJP legislators began to protest, chanting slogans and showcasing placards within the House. They subsequently exited and continued their protests on the Assembly lawn.
The BJP has consistently contested the state government's decision to permit a portion of tea garden land for tourism since its inception. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, is anticipated to conduct a rally in North Bengal on February 23, aimed at addressing various concerns related to the tea sector. During this rally, he is expected to launch a critique against the state government regarding the tea garden land allocation for tourism.
Furthermore, Bimal Gurung, the supremo of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, is also likely to be present at the rally.
Discussions regarding the West Bengal Budget proposals for the fiscal year 2025-26 are slated to take place in the Assembly on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the LoP will be unable to participate in these discussions due to a month-long suspension from the House stemming from alleged unruly behavior.
The presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the budget proposal debates on either day is also deemed improbable.
Meanwhile, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demonstrated in front of the state Assembly against the Chief Minister’s comments made during the House session on Tuesday, where she referred to the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh as “Mrityu Kumbh.”
Clashes occurred between the police and ABVP supporters due to the latter's protest actions. Ultimately, the protesters were dispersed, and some were taken away in police vehicles.
