TMC Files Breach of Privilege Motion Against Suvendu Adhikari Over Defamatory Remarks on Mamata Banerjee

A group of senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs has filed a breach of privilege motion against Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal. They accuse him of making "defamatory and untrue" statements about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee outside the assembly. Speaker Biman Banerjee confirmed receiving the motion.

The motion was prompted by Adhikari's alleged comments to the media. He claimed that Mamata Banerjee, during her speech in the assembly, praised Pakistan more eloquently than its Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. This accusation was strongly refuted by TMC leaders.

Privilege Motion Details

The complaint was signed by ministers Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shovandeb Chattopadhyay, Arup Biswas, Indranil Sen, and MLA Nirmal Ghosh. Firhad Hakim, a minister and mayor, is expected to sign it soon. A TMC leader mentioned this development on Tuesday.

Speaker Biman Banerjee stated he has yet to examine or admit the motion. He will review it thoroughly before deciding whether to forward it to the state assembly's privilege committee or reject it if deemed unsubstantiated.

Assembly Debate and Controversy

During an assembly session, Mamata Banerjee criticised the Union government over the Pahalgam incident. She demanded the resignation of the BJP-led government for failing to ensure national security. Her remarks sparked heated exchanges in the assembly.

Banerjee also criticised India's missed opportunity to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during a military conflict. She questioned the BJP-led Centre's diplomatic strategy against Pakistan on a global stage.

Opposition's Response

The opposition bench vocally countered Banerjee's remarks. They demanded the inclusion of 'Operation Sindoor' in a resolution praising military strikes on terror hubs across the western border. This term was notably absent from the resolution.

Adhikari later told reporters that Banerjee praised Pakistan excessively while criticising PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. The Speaker believed Adhikari misinterpreted Banerjee's statements, calling his comments "unwarranted and unfortunate."

Potential Consequences for Adhikari

If admitted, the complaint will be forwarded to the assembly's privilege committee led by Deputy Speaker Ashish Banerjee. The committee may summon Adhikari for a defence and decide on potential disciplinary action.

Adhikari has faced previous disciplinary actions. In February, he and three other BJP MLAs were suspended for a month due to unparliamentary behaviour. A censure motion was also passed against him for controversial remarks made outside the assembly.

A TMC leader emphasised that Adhikari's comments were defamatory and disrespectful towards Mamata Banerjee. They insisted she never spoke in favour of Pakistan during her speech. The complaint includes a flash drive with Adhikari's recorded statement as evidence.

With inputs from PTI