Will Partha Chatterjee Receive Special Treatment at the Winter Session of the Bengal Assembly?
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Synopsis
As the Winter Session of the Bengal Assembly approaches, former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee faces significant changes in his parliamentary status. Having been suspended from his party, he is now categorized as an independent legislator. The Speaker confirms no special privileges will be extended to him, raising questions about his future role in the Assembly.
Key Takeaways
- No special treatment for Partha Chatterjee during Winter Session.
- Chatterjee will sit as an independent legislator.
- He will not have a private chamber like before.
- Time will be allotted for him to speak if he wishes.
- His political future remains uncertain following his suspension.
Kolkata, Nov 13 (NationPress) No preferential treatment will be granted to the former West Bengal Education Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee should he attend the upcoming Winter Session of the Assembly later this month.
Firstly, the new position assigned to him on the Assembly floor will not be among the Treasury Benches or the Opposition Benches.
According to sources within the state Assembly, following his suspension from the Trinamool Congress after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the school-job scandal in July 2022, he will now function as an independent legislator.
Consequently, he will be seated in a location between the Treasury Bench and the Opposition Bench.
Additionally, he will not be granted a private chamber, unlike the one he had as the state education minister.
“He is no longer a minister. Therefore, he will not receive a private room within the Assembly. He will attend the session just like any other MLA and will enjoy the same facilities. His new seat will be arranged prior to the Winter Session,” confirmed Biman Bandopadhyay, the Speaker of the House.
He also mentioned that if Chatterjee wishes to engage in a debate during the session, he will be allocated time to express his views in accordance with the rules.
“Chatterjee has been removed from the state Cabinet, but he has not been expelled from the Assembly. Thus, he retains the right to attend any Assembly session. He is an experienced legislator. If he desires to speak, time will be provided for him to share his thoughts according to Assembly regulations,” the Speaker noted.
Chatterjee has already stated that he intends to take part in the Winter Session of the Assembly and will participate in debates on the Assembly floor if possible.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge both the legal and political ramifications of Partha Chatterjee's current status. While he retains the right to participate in Assembly sessions, the implications of his suspension from the Trinamool Congress and the lack of special treatment underscore the complexities surrounding political accountability and legislative integrity in West Bengal.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Partha Chatterjee get a special room in the Assembly?
No, he will not be granted a separate room as he is no longer a minister.
What will happen to Chatterjee's seating arrangement?
He will be seated between the Treasury and Opposition Benches as an independent legislator.
Can Chatterjee participate in debates?
Yes, he can participate in debates and will be allotted time to speak according to Assembly rules.
Why was Chatterjee suspended from the Trinamool Congress?
He was suspended following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a school-job scam.
Is Chatterjee still a member of the Assembly?
Yes, he remains a member of the Assembly despite his suspension from the party.
