Will Partha Chatterjee Be Treated Like an Independent MLA in the Upcoming Winter Session?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Partha Chatterjee is treated as an independent MLA.
- He will have a new seating arrangement in the Assembly.
- No special privileges will be given to him.
- He can participate in debates if he chooses to do so.
- His political future remains uncertain following his suspension.
Kolkata, Nov 13 (NationPress) No special treatment will be provided to the former West Bengal Education Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee if he decides to attend the upcoming Winter Session of the Assembly later this month.
Firstly, the new seat assigned to him on the Assembly floor will not be located in either the Treasury Benches or the Opposition Benches.
Sources within the state Assembly indicated that since the Trinamool Congress has already suspended him from the party following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the school-job case in July 2022, he will now be recognized as an independent legislator.
As a result, his seat will be positioned between the Treasury Bench and the Opposition Bench.
Moreover, he will not receive a private room like the one he had when he served as the state education minister.
“He is no longer a minister. Thus, he will not be granted a separate room within the Assembly premises. He will attend the session like any other MLA and receive the same facilities. His new seating will be arranged before the Winter Session,” confirmed the Speaker of the House, Biman Bandopadhyay.
He also assured that if Chatterjee wishes to engage in a debate on the Assembly floor during the session, he will be allocated time to express his opinions according to the rules.
“Chatterjee was removed from the state Cabinet. However, he was not expelled from the Assembly. Therefore, he has the right to attend any Assembly session. He is an experienced legislator. If he wishes to speak, time will be allocated for him to present his views following Assembly regulations,” the Speaker stated.
Chatterjee has already expressed his intention to participate in the Winter Session of the Assembly and, if feasible, to engage in debates on the Assembly floor.