Drama in Bengal Assembly, BJP-TMC trade barbs; 5 MLAs suspended

The West Bengal Assembly on Thursday witnessed high drama as the ruling TMC and opposition BJP locked horns in a heated exchange over the issue of the Bengali language and alleged “atrocities” against Bengalis.

The uproar began when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rose to speak in the House. BJP MLAs started shouting slogans, prompting Speaker Biman Banerjee to suspend five BJP legislators—Shankar Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Mihir Goswami, Ashoke Dinda, and Bankim Ghosh. The suspension only intensified the protests, with the remaining BJP members continuing their sloganeering throughout Mamata’s address. 

Defiant in the face of disruption, Mamata mocked the opposition, declaring, “What do you think, you will stop me by shouting? You can’t. The whole of Bengal is watching your rudeness. I will continue my speech.”

Outside the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Shuvendu Adhikari countered, stating, “Mamata thought BJP had only a handful of MLAs. But we proved it—each of our 64 MLAs is an opposition leader. Mamata has not faced such resistance in 14 years.” 

Inside the chamber, the atmosphere resembled a battlefield, with slogans from both sides ringing out. TMC members shouted, “One two three four, BJP’s all thieves,” while BJP MLAs countered with, “Modi chod, Mamata chor.”

In the heated exchanges, the central issue—the rights of the Bengali language—appeared sidelined. However, Mamata reiterated her stance, saying, “This party (BJP) will not be able to return to power. The bell for their departure has rung. That is why they are behaving so rudely. You will gradually reach from zero to zero.” 

Following the Chief Minister’s speech, BJP legislators staged a walkout. The ruling party later passed a resolution in the Assembly protesting against the “attack” on the Bengali language. 

The day’s dramatic events have raised a larger question—whether language has become just another political tool, or remains a struggle for cultural identity.