Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Agnimitra Paul sharply criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for moving a resolution in the West Bengal Assembly condemning alleged atrocities on Bengali-speaking migrants in other states, accusing the party of shedding “crocodile tears” to divert attention from pressing issues. Speaking during the second day of discussions in a special assembly session in Kolkata, Paul questioned the TMC’s agenda and highlighted the central government’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a protective measure for Bengali Hindu refugees from outside India.

Paul accused the TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of double standards for opposing the CAA while claiming to support displaced migrants. She argued that the resolution was a political maneuver to shift focus from critical state issues. Paul further dismissed Banerjee’s announcement of ₹5,000 financial assistance for returning migrants, noting that many earn significantly more in other states and have already resumed work there with their families, indicating their satisfaction with their current situations.

The session saw heightened tensions, with BJP MLAs initially absent during the morning proceedings, entering the House just before Banerjee’s arrival at 1:19 pm for the post-recess session. When Speaker Biman Banerjee initially barred BJP members from speaking due to their absence during roll call, the Chief Minister intervened, requesting permission for their participation, allowing Paul to join the discussion.

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The resolution debate had already sparked chaos on September 2, 2025, when TMC and BJP members clashed, leading to the suspension of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari for the remainder of the session for disrupting proceedings. Paul urged the assembly to consider a resolution thanking the central government for the CAA instead, emphasizing its role in safeguarding displaced Bengali Hindus.

The ongoing dispute underscores the deepening political divide between the TMC and BJP over migration and citizenship policies in West Bengal.

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