Bengali Language and Identity Spark TMC-BJP Assembly Clash

The West Bengal Assembly descended into pandemonium following a heated altercation between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP over a motion condemning alleged assaults on Bengali-speaking migrants in different states. This discord culminated in the suspension of Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP's Leader of Opposition, for the rest of the special legislative session due to "disruptive conduct."

Adhikari, labeling the TMC as an "agent of Pakistan," claimed his suspension was due to protest against comments made by Education Minister Bratya Basu. Basu allegedly criticized the Indian Army's actions regarding a TMC protest site, drawing a controversial parallel with the 1971 Pakistani army's crackdown in East Pakistan, leading to uproar among BJP members.

Amidst the fray, TMC leaders defended their stance by underscoring the alleged "systematic harassment" of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-led states, while BJP countered, alleging that the motion was politically motivated. The incident reflects deep-seated tensions over cultural identity, with both parties leveraging the issue for political narratives.

(With inputs from agencies.)