Tue Feb 18 09:52:33 UTC 2025: **BJP MLAs Protest Saraswati Puja Restrictions in West Bengal**
KOLKATA, Feb 18, 2025 – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators in West Bengal, led by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, staged a protest at the state assembly today against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. The protest focused on alleged appeasement politics and the government’s inaction regarding the vandalism of Hindu religious idols and restrictions on Saraswati Puja celebrations in educational institutions.
Approximately 30 BJP MLAs participated in a sit-in, chanting slogans against the government’s perceived inaction. This follows the suspension of four BJP MLAs, including Adhikari, yesterday for alleged disorderly conduct.
Adhikari stated the protest wasn’t directed at any specific community but rather against the TMC government’s failure to protect religious festivals and prevent the vandalism of Durga, Lakshmi, and Kartik idols. He further criticized the government’s alleged attempts to suppress Saraswati Puja. The BJP MLAs plan to hold a parallel session outside the assembly to highlight citizen concerns under the TMC government.
Adhikari dismissed his suspension, stating that it’s a result of his consistent criticism of the ruling party’s policies, corruption, and suppression of democracy. He vowed to continue voicing these concerns.
First Piper 