Speaker Bandyopadhyay Calls for MLA Presence During Assembly Proceedings

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay urged MLAs to be present during proceedings, particularly when ministers respond to queries. This request came after Agriculture Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay expressed outrage over the absence of three BJP MLAs during his replies. The Speaker highlighted the importance of MLAs being present when ministers address their questions.

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Kolkata, February 7: West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay emphasized the importance of members' presence during proceedings, especially when ministers respond to queries. This request came after senior TMC MLA and Agriculture Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay expressed outrage over the absence of three BJP MLAs during his replies to opposition questions.

Minister's Displeasure Over MLAs' Absence

Chattopadhyay was visibly upset when he noticed the absence of the MLAs. He drew the Speaker's attention to this matter, stating that the three BJP MLAs were not present when he rose to speak. The Speaker concurred, expressing his disappointment and reminding the members of their responsibility to be present when a minister addresses their questions.

Opposition's Focus on Demonstrations

Chattopadhyay later told reporters that the opposition BJP seemed more interested in organizing noisy demonstrations with placards on the floor of the House and outside the assembly hall. He criticized their lack of participation in the proceedings, stating that he had never witnessed such behavior from an opposition party during his 33 years as a legislator.

Allegations of Gimmickry

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Chattopadhyay, further alleged that the BJP MLAs were solely focused on gimmicks rather than engaging in constructive discussions. He expressed his disappointment with the opposition's absence during important discussions on finance and other crucial matters, including the absence of the Leader of the Opposition.

BJP MLA's Response

In response to Chattopadhyay's statements, BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul termed them as unfortunate and untrue. He refuted the allegations, asserting that the BJP MLAs were indeed present during the proceedings and actively participated in discussions.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP in the West Bengal Assembly. The Speaker's call for members' presence and the allegations of gimmickry underscore the need for constructive engagement and respectful conduct within the legislative body.