Kolkata erupted in political drama on the final day of the West Bengal Assembly’s budget session. Ruling party leaders tabled a privilege motion against BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, a former fashion designer turned politician, over comments she made that allegedly hurt minority sentiments.
The motion, introduced by Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeo Chattopadhyay, stemmed from Paul’s Friday remarks. BJP legislators immediately protested, turning the house into a battlefield of shouts and disruptions.
BJP MLA Mihir Goswami defended Paul, stating she had sought permission from the Speaker to clarify her statement, which she did. Yet, the motion proceeded, allegedly at the behest of minority community ministers. BJP members first staged a walkout from the chamber, chanting slogans, and continued their agitation in the assembly courtyard.
Speaker Biman Banerjee referred the privilege issue to the Privileges Committee, which will decide future actions. Amid the uproar, the government also passed a bill renaming Murshidabad University to Maharaja Krishnath Murshidabad University.
Established in 2018 by upgrading Krishnath College—founded in 1853 by Maharaja Krishnanath—the rename honors its historical roots. The college, one of Bengal’s oldest, embodies social reform, education, and cultural integration. This change gives the university a unique historical identity, distinguishing it from others and rooting it firmly in its legacy.
The dual events underscore deepening political divides in West Bengal, with privilege motions becoming weapons in ideological battles. As the session ended tumultuously, questions linger on free speech versus assembly decorum.