BJP walk's out of assembly, protest over inflated food prices; Shobhandeb hits back

Suvendu Adhikari, along with other BJP members, protested outside the assembly gate against the increase in food prices. They carried slogans written on potato packets and plates, chanting, “What is the price of food? Will Mamta go?” Meanwhile, the TMC leaders responded with the slogan “Modi hatao, Desh bachao".

The protest was part of a larger demonstration against the rising prices of essential commodities in the state. BJP members brought an adjournment motion in the Assembly on Friday, seeking a discussion on the issue. After participating in the discussion, BJP MLAs walked out of the Assembly, which Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee criticized as 'unintentional' behavior.

Throughout the current legislative session, the BJP has repeatedly alleged that important issues are not being given adequate discussion time. They have also accused the Speaker of biased behavior. However, on Friday, the Speaker allowed a 20-minute discussion on the price hike.

During the discussion, BJP's parliamentary party argued that the rise in commodity prices is causing hardship for the poor. They demanded actions against black marketing and fraudsters. Purulia Jaipur MLA Narhari Mahato read the resolution on behalf of BJP, highlighting these concerns.

In response, State Legislative Minister Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay acknowledged the rise in petroleum product prices and its impact on commodity costs. He questioned the BJP's silence on the price increase of electoral bonds and medicines. A heated exchange ensued between Shobhandeb and Suvendu, requiring the Speaker's intervention.

Shobhandeb defended the government's efforts to control prices, mentioning that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been actively working to combat the issue. He claimed that task force members are monitoring markets, and vegetable prices have largely been controlled.

Despite the Minister's responses, BJP MLAs continued to shout inside the assembly, leading the Speaker to reprimand them for their impatience. Following their walkout, BJP members held a protest outside the assembly gate, raising slogans against the government's handling of the price rise issue.