Privilege motion sparks fresh showdown in Assembly, BJP MLAs walk out
The Statesman | 8 February 2026
In a massive showdown, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) walked out of the Assembly on Saturday after the ruling Trinamul Congress initiated a breach of privilege motion against BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul over her comments on madrasa education and spending on minority welfare during the Budget debate.
The row traces back to the previous day’s discussion on the state Budget, when Paul, the Asansol South MLA, questioned the enhanced allocation for madrasa education and minority development schemes.
Terming the policy “appeasement,” she asked whether madrasa education had produced professionals such as doctors or engineers and went on to allege that minority welfare initiatives were fostering criminality.
Her remarks triggered immediate chaos in the House, with senior ministers, including Firhad Hakim, Javed Khan and Aroop Biswas demanding that the statements be struck off the official record.
In a continuation of Friday’s row, the Trinamul’s legislative wing formally moved a privilege notice against Paul on the fourth day of the Budget session on Saturday.
Moving the motion, the party’s minister for parliamentary affairs argued that Paul’s comments were unparliamentary, offensive to a specific community and detrimental to the dignity of the legislature.
Speaker Biman Banerjee admitted the notice and said the issue would be examined before a decision was delivered. His announcement was met with loud objections from BJP members.
In the absence of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, BJP MLAs accused the ruling party of using its majority to silence criticism.
They maintained that scrutinising government expenditure was a legitimate role of the Opposition and alleged that procedural provisions were being deployed selectively.
There was a heated exchange of words between the Speaker and the BJP legislators. Though the Speaker repeatedly appealed for order and warned against disruptions, the opposition MLAs continued on with the agitation.
Banerjee said that the Assembly would not permit remarks that were communal or derogatory, stressing the need to preserve the decorum of the House.
Dissatisfied with the Speaker’s stance, BJP legislators walked out and assembled in the corridors, holding placards and raising slogans against what they described as partisan conduct.
Speaking to reporters, the BJP MLAs said that the privilege motion was being used to deter uncomfortable questions.
The Trinamul Congress, however, said that the walkout was a calculated move to derail proceedings and seek publicity.
“The BJP is avoiding substantive debate and is indulging in theatrics. The legislative discussions must adhere to constitutional values and secular principles,” a Trinamul Congress MLA said.
The contrasting scenes of confrontation inside the chamber and protests outside ensured a charged atmosphere through the day. The focus now shifts to the Speaker’s forthcoming decision on the privilege motion and the Opposition’s next course of action.