CM Mamata bats for opposition voice in Assembly, urges Speaker to allow more floor time than ruling party

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday suggested that opposition legislators should be given more time to speak in the West Bengal Assembly than those from the ruling party. Addressing Speaker Biman Banerjee during the session, she said, “Mera vichar hai ki satta paksh se zyada vipaksh ko sadan mein bolne diya jaaye.” She also recommended that MLAs with the highest attendance should be rewarded and called for action against those involved in disruptions and violence inside the House.

The Chief Minister raised concerns about repeated flooding in Bengal, blaming the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for releasing water without prior notice. She called the situation a "man-made flood" and said, “Pratyek varsh Tenu Ghar, Maithan mein paani chhoda jaata hai.” She alleged that while Assam receives central assistance for flood management, Bengal does not, and said, “Kendra ek paisa Bengal ko nahi deta.” Mamata also mentioned that areas such as Taldangra, Purulia, Udaynarayanpur, and Arambagh have been submerged due to the floods.

On the environment, Mamata stated that Bengal has expanded its forest area by 4,000 km and is successfully running the Jalabhari scheme across 4.5 lakh ponds. She warned that strict action would be taken against those found illegally filling ponds. Emphasizing ecological responsibility, she said, “Prithvi dooshan mukt ho yahi chahti hoon,” and added that harming nature will not be forgiven.