Bengal BJP walks out of Assembly over 30% tea garden land tourism plan

The West Bengal Assembly witnessed uproar on Wednesday as BJP legislators staged a walkout after their adjournment motion against the state government’s decision to allocate 30% of tea garden land for tourism was rejected. The motion, led by BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, aimed to initiate a discussion on the impact of the policy, but the Speaker dismissed it, triggering protests from the opposition.

BJP MLAs raised slogans inside the House before walking out, alleging that the decision would threaten tea workers' livelihoods and reduce cultivable tea land. The party has been opposing the policy since its announcement, calling for clarity on land rights and compensation measures for tea garden workers. The state government, however, maintains that the move will create jobs and boost tourism in North Bengal.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has announced a rally in North Bengal on February 23 to protest against the policy. The rally is expected to focus on concerns of tea estate workers and landowners. According to sources, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung may also attend the event, signaling wider opposition to the decision among hill-based political groups.

The issue has become a major flashpoint ahead of the Assembly’s budget session. Discussions on the 2025-26 budget are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, but Suvendu Adhikari will not participate due to his one-month suspension from the House for alleged misconduct. The Chief Minister’s presence in the budget discussions also remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, outside the Assembly, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists protested against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark on the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where she reportedly referred to the event as "Mrityu Kumbh." Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators, leading to detentions. Security has been tightened around the Assembly amid ongoing protests.