Kolkata: Tensions flared in the West Bengal Assembly on Friday as BJP lawmakers staged a walkout after their request to raise an adjournment motion regarding alleged attacks on religious places during recent puja celebrations was denied.

The BJP, led by Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, wanted to introduce the motion to discuss the attacks. However, Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay refused to allow it, citing that the issue had already been raised in previous debates and did not warrant a separate adjournment motion.

In response, around 40 BJP MLAs held up placards with slogans in Bengali, which read: "Religious places were attacked during Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kartik Puja in Bengal. This can't be allowed. The state must act."

Adhikari expressed frustration over the Speaker’s remarks, saying, "No discussion on the recent attacks by 'jihadi elements' had taken place in the House yesterday. I don't know why the Speaker said this."

The BJP members also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of failing to protect the lives, properties, and religious rights of the people in the state. They continued their protest for about 15 minutes, raising slogans within the Assembly.

In response, the Speaker warned the BJP members, saying, "If you behave in this manner, I will not allow you to raise points on issues in future. I had always believed in giving you space, and you must reciprocate." Following this, the BJP lawmakers walked out of the Assembly in protest.

BJP Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh criticized the Speaker’s decision, stating, "We wanted to bring an adjournment motion. Everyone must be aware of how attacks on puja pandals took place in Metiabruz, Falakata during Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja, and at Beldanga during Kartik Puja. The situation is alarming. West Bengal is not Bangladesh. The Speaker does not want the opposition to bring up this crucial issue."

Ghosh added that the BJP was forced to stage a walkout because their voices were being silenced.

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