Speaker calls special session to discuss attack on Bengalis in other states; Suvendu questions timing

Amid continuous complaints of atrocities against Bengalis in other states, the West Bengal government has expressed concern. Despite Nabanna taking several steps to protect migrant workers from Bengal, reports of harassment of Bengali workers from various states continue to surface almost daily.

To strongly condemn this, a resolution has been proposed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. A special 3-day special session of the Assembly began today,

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, has raised concerns over the scheduling of an assembly session on the days of Karam Puja, a significant festival celebrated by tribal communities. Adhikari argued that holding the session on September 3 and 4 would prevent MLAs from participating in festivities in their constituencies. He has appealed to Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee to reconsider the schedule to allow legislators to join the celebrations.

Addressing a press conference today, Adhikari said, “I urge the Speaker to convey our request to the state government. If the session is not held on those days, MLAs from these areas can participate in the festival. Karam Puja is on September 3 and 4, and I am making this appeal so they can join the celebrations.”

Notably, the state government has already declared a holiday for all government offices, municipalities, panchayats, government-aided institutions, and educational establishments on September 3 in observance of Karam Puja, as per a notification issued by Nabanna.

While Karam Puja is not widely celebrated in Kolkata, it is observed with great enthusiasm in several western districts of West Bengal, including Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, and West Midnapore, as well as in some parts of North Bengal. The festival often includes fairs, with tribal communities joyously participating in the celebrations.

Additionally, discussions on a few other issues likely to held during this 3-day special session which includes opposition to the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) and the withdrawal of the Aparajita Bill concerning women’s safety.