BJP protest in Bengal: In a symbolic gesture, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Subhendu Adhikari, carried out the cleaning of the BR Ambedkar statue within the Assembly premises using water from the Ganges.This move came as a response to the two-day dharna staged below the statue by ruling Trinamool Congress MLAs, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on November 29.The BackgroundTrinamool Congress MLAs had initiated a protest, accusing the BJP-led Central government of discrimination in the allocation of central funds and the execution of central projects in West Bengal.Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee expressed his intention to inquire about the reasoning behind cleaning the Ambedkar statue with Ganga water. I would like to know why this was done, he stated.Dueling Protests in the HouseOver the past two days, slogans of chor chor (thief, thief) echoed in the House as both BJP and Trinamool Congress MLAs engaged in dueling protests. While Trinamool Congress members conducted a sit-in beneath the Ambedkar statue, BJP members staged their sit-in near the main Assembly Hall entrance.An official representative commented, The MLAs of the party of looters, murderers of democracy, who have already been rejected by the people of West Bengal and are clinging to power with the help of the state police and machinery, have been here for the last two days. He further accused them of tarnishing the sacred statue of Ambedkar.Symbolic Act Draws CriticismTrinamool Congress Deputy Chief Whip Tapas Roy criticised the BJPs act, suggesting it was an attempt to atone for their alleged mistreatment of Dalits and other backward classes in the country. Roy contended that such actions within the Assembly require the Speakers permission, contrasting it with their own pre-approved agitation.As the political standoff continues, the symbolic act has intensified tensions between the BJP and Trinamool Congress within the West Bengal Assembly. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving political situation.
