Kolkata, 2 September (H.S.).

A heated political clash erupted in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday during a special session when Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari unexpectedly raised the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) amid a debate on “Bengal and Bengali identity.”

Education Minister Bratya Basu immediately interrupted Adhikari and threw down a challenge. “Only 12 people from Bengal have applied under the CAA so far. If you want a discussion on this matter, bring a motion—we are ready to debate. But why bring up this issue during a discussion on the Bengali language and the identity of Bengal?” Basu remarked.

The CAA has long been a flashpoint in Bengal politics. While the ruling Trinamool Congress maintains that neither CAA nor NRC will be implemented in the state, the BJP continues to insist that the Act is meant to “grant citizenship, not take it away.”

Amid the fiery exchanges, Suvendu Adhikari was suspended from the House proceedings on charges of “unconstitutional conduct.” Marshals escorted him out of the Assembly, prompting BJP legislators to stage a walkout. The session descended into uproar both inside and outside the House.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh