TMC to decide action against 30 MLAs, including Minister Manoj Tiwary, on April 8 for skipping Assembly

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) disciplinary committee will meet on April 8 at 2 PM to decide on possible action against 30 MLAs, including Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Manoj Kumar Tiwary, for being absent from the West Bengal Assembly despite a party whip. The meeting will allow the legislators to explain their absence before a final decision is made.

The party had issued a mandatory attendance directive for all MLAs on March 19 and 20, the last two days of the budget session's second phase. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was exempt, she attended on March 19, ensuring high attendance. However, on March 20, multiple legislators, including Tiwary, were absent, raising concerns over compliance with party discipline.

The disciplinary panel is chaired by Chief Whip Nirmal Ghosh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, with members including Finance Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, and Power Minister Aroop Biswas. Initially scheduled for March 29, the meeting was postponed due to Eid celebrations. The panel will now review the reasons for the absences and consider disciplinary measures.

TMC leaders have emphasized the importance of strict adherence to party directives. The upcoming decision could impact internal party discipline as the leadership assesses the response of the absentee MLAs. The outcome of the meeting will determine if further action is needed against the legislators for violating the whip.