Kolkata, 10 June (H.S.) —The West Bengal Assembly is set to hold a special discussion in support of the Indian Army’s military action in Pakistan, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee scheduled to lead the debate. A resolution acknowledging the Army's valor will be introduced by Speaker Biman Banerjee, marking a rare moment of bipartisan focus on national security within the state legislature.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership has exercised exceptional caution in preparing the list of speakers for this sensitive discussion. According to party sources, the top leadership has instructed that only those members who can maintain decorum and avoid unnecessary controversy should be included. As a result, the list features representatives from various communities and regions across the state, aiming for inclusive and balanced representation.

Chief Minister Banerjee will be allotted the maximum time during the session. Other key speakers from the ruling party include Education Minister Bratya Basu, Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda.

Notably, the list also includes Bagda MLA Madhurparna Thakur, a member of the influential Matua community and the Thakur family of Bangaon. Another speaker will be Itahar MLA Mosaraf Hossain, representing the minority community. Their inclusion underscores the party’s effort to ensure that diverse voices are heard on an issue of national importance.

While the Trinamool Congress has publicly supported the anti-terror operation, dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor’, it has also criticized the Centre for allegedly politicizing the military strike. Senior party leaders, including Minister Udayan Guha and MLA Naren Chakraborty, have raised concerns about the use of such operations for political mileage, without directly naming the Prime Minister. Chief Minister Banerjee herself has expressed reservations on the issue in public forums.

Given the political sensitivities, the TMC is reportedly aiming to maintain a dignified tone in the Assembly discussion and avoid any remarks that could spark fresh controversy.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also finalizing its list of speakers for the session. According to party insiders, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh, economist and Balurghat MLA Ashok Lahiri, and Asansol South MLA Agnimitra Paul are likely to participate in the debate.

The Assembly has allocated two hours on Tuesday for the discussion on the resolution, which is expected to draw significant attention given the political undercurrents and the rare consensus on honoring the Indian Army.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh