BJP's 'Gangajal' Protest Purifies Ambedkar Statue Amid TMC Assembly Dispute

The Bengal Assembly witnessed the BJP's use of 'Gangajal' to cleanse the Ambedkar statue amid protests by TMC, reflecting the escalating political tension over fund allocation. This symbolic act spurred clashes and disruptions, symbolizing the growing ideological divide between BJP and TMC within the Assembly.

Image Source -www.indiatoday.in

Amid a charged Assembly session in Bengal, the BJP members orchestrated a symbolic display by employing 'Gangajal' to cleanse the Ambedkar statue, a direct response to the ongoing protests led by TMC lawmakers. The BJP legislators, carrying containers filled with 'Gangajal,' proceeded towards the Ambedkar Statue situated within the Kolkata Assembly premises, aiming to purify it.

This action followed a vehement two-day sit-in protest staged by TMC representatives, spearheaded by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The TMC's protest focused on highlighting what they perceived as the Centre's biased treatment in allocating funds to West Bengal. As tensions escalated, the Assembly Speaker, Biman Bandyopadhyay, announced plans to seek an explanation regarding the rationale behind the use of Ganga water to cleanse the statue. His intent was to prevent disruptive activities within the Assembly, urging all members to refrain from such actions.

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The session itself devolved into chaos as both BJP and TMC members engaged in loud slogan shouting, whistle-blowing, and bell-ringing, creating an atmosphere of contention. The BJP congregated at the entrance to the main assembly hall, counterposed by the TMC's sit-in at the base of the Ambedkar statue.

Within this charged atmosphere, BJP's Adhikari accused the ruling TMC of defiling the sanctity of the Ambedkar statue. In response, TMC's Tapas Roy retaliated, attributing the act of statue cleansing to the BJP's alleged transgressions against marginalized communities and democratic principles. Roy emphasized the necessity of obtaining the Speaker's consent for any such activities within the Assembly premises, underscoring the procedural aspect of their protest.

The entire episode unfolded as a clash of ideologies and political posturing, underscoring the mounting tensions between the BJP and TMC within the Assembly. This series of events highlighted the palpable friction over the perceived unequal allocation of central funds, manifesting in symbolic gestures and disruptive activities, ultimately impacting the functioning of the Assembly session.