Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.):

The West Bengal Assembly's Monsoon Session on Wednesday witnessed dramatic scenes and loud protests over two major political flashpoints — a privilege motion against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the rejection of a BJP-sponsored adjournment motion over alleged derogatory remarks made by TMC leader Anubrata Mondal.

Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee6 accepted a notice of breach of privilege against Suvendu Adhikari and referred the matter to the Privileges Committee for investigation. Sources within the Assembly indicated that the committee is expected to submit its report within the ongoing session.

The motion stems from comments Adhikari made outside the Assembly, wherein he allegedly distorted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s statement on India’s response to the Pulwama terror attack. The controversy erupted during Tuesday’s proceedings, when the Assembly passed a resolution praising the Indian Army. Chief Minister Banerjee had lauded the armed forces, but Adhikari later claimed that she was “praising Pakistan,” sparking strong condemnation from the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Speaking to the media, Adhikari had remarked, “The Chief Minister seemed to be batting for Pakistan. Even Shehbaz Sharif wouldn’t praise them this much.” His comments drew sharp reactions from senior TMC ministers, including Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Indranil Sen, and Aroop Biswas, who jointly moved the privilege motion against him.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated further when the Speaker rejected a BJP adjournment motion seeking discussion on Anubrata Mondal’s alleged use of offensive language. Enraged by the Speaker's decision, BJP legislators, led by MLA Shankar Ghosh, staged a walkout from the Assembly around 12:10 p.m.

Outside the Assembly, Ghosh lashed out at the Speaker, accusing him of double standards. “On one hand, he refuses to entertain discussions on comments made by TMC leaders outside the Assembly. On the other hand, he admits a privilege motion against the Leader of the Opposition for remarks made outside the House. This is selective application of rules,” Ghosh said.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh