Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 13, 2025, Kolkata : Tensions flared in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Thursday as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators staged a protest following the rejection of an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the recent incidents of political violence in Murshidabad and Maheshtala.
The motion, brought by BJP MLAs, was disallowed by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay, who ruled that the matter is currently sub-judice and should not be deliberated upon within the Assembly. This led to vociferous protests from the Opposition. BJP legislators stormed the well of the House, raised slogans such as “Chor, Chor” (Thief, Thief), and displayed saffron flags with religious motifs. Assembly staff were seen forming a human barrier to shield the Speaker’s chair from the agitated lawmakers.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari led the charge, accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order and suppressing debate on what he termed a “serious issue.” He later moved the Calcutta High Court seeking deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the violence-affected regions. The petition was admitted by the court.
The BJP MLAs, after staging a walkout, proceeded to Raj Bhavan to meet Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and submitted a memorandum regarding the incidents. Adhikari reiterated his demand for the administration to allow an MLA team, including himself, to visit the affected areas and meet with victims. He claimed that his attempts to meet the Director General of Police (DGP) were unsuccessful, alleging political interference in the process.
In a video statement, Adhikari referred to an earlier High Court order which he said mandates CAPF intervention in cases of communal unrest where police are unable or unwilling to act. He added that he had formally notified the DGP and the Superintendent of Police, Diamond Harbour, as per that directive.
“The High Court has clearly stated that where communal violence breaks out, and if local police are impeded or injured while controlling the situation, the petitioner can write to the DGP, and the court may direct deployment of central forces. I acted accordingly,” Adhikari said.
He also alleged that 30 to 35 police personnel had sustained injuries in the recent clashes, with five vehicles vandalised or set ablaze. He claimed that an unruly mob had attacked law enforcement with stones, while police were seen waving white flags to de-escalate the situation — a scene reportedly captured in circulating media footage.
Meanwhile, security was tightened in the Rabindra Nagar area of South 24 Parganas following the unrest. BJP leaders have called for statewide demonstrations beginning at 2 PM on Friday, with particular involvement from community groups referred to as “Sanatanis.”
The confrontation in the Assembly marks yet another episode in the ongoing tension between the ruling state government and the Opposition, amidst a growing national discourse over law and order, communal harmony, and Centre–state relations.
