Political Turmoil in West Bengal Assembly: A Threat to Democratic Institutions

 West Bengal’s politics has always been at the center of the country’s democratic discourse. Its social fabric, cultural diversity, and historic political traditions give the state a unique identity. However, what happened in the Assembly on Thursday has once again raised serious concerns: Is politics slowly eroding the dignity of institutions and the culture of democratic dialogue?

The scene on the last day of the special session in the Assembly was far from dignified. The tension between the ruling party and the opposition escalated to such an extent that the core purpose of the Assembly meaningful discussion and debate was completely sidelined. BJP legislators, the main opposition party, created a ruckus in the well of the House. The situation worsened to the point that the Speaker had to suspend BJP’s chief whip, Shankar Ghosh. When marshals were called to remove him, a scuffle broke out, and Ghosh collapsed and fainted. This was not only a tragic moment, but it also reflected the level of confrontation and mistrust that has taken over West Bengal’s political landscape.

To understand the background of this controversy, one must look at the issue being discussed in the House. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress, have alleged that Bengali migrants living in BJP-ruled states are being targeted. This issue is directly connected to Bengali identity and cultural pride, which Trinamool has long used as a political stronghold.

Mamata Banerjee has often stated that Bengalis facing difficulties in other states should return home, and that the state government will take full care of them. While such statements may strike an emotional chord with people, politically they aim to build a broader narrative against the BJP accusing the party and its governments of discriminating against Bengalis.

It’s not just about the Bengali migrants. Just a few days ago, another political storm erupted when the army removed a temporary platform built by the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata. The army claimed the party didn’t remove the structure even after its permission had expired, forcing them to act. Mamata Banerjee and her party, however, saw this as direct political interference and an insult.

This brings us to an important question: Is it right to view every administrative action as part of a political conspiracy? Or has the atmosphere truly become so tense that every move is automatically viewed with suspicion? This situation clearly shows that trust between the state and the Centre, and between the ruling and opposition parties, has almost completely eroded. West Bengal has long been a battleground for Centre-State conflict. The tension between the Governor and the Chief Minister is the clearest example of this. From Keshari Nath Tripathi to Jagdeep Dhankhar and now the current Governor C.V. Ananda Bose — Mamata Banerjee hasn’t had smooth relations with any of them. Tripathi accused the Mamata government of appeasement politics, and Dhankhar even said that democracy in the state was under threat. Mamata, on the other hand, has repeatedly accused the Governor’s office of acting as an agent of the central government and interfering in the state’s jurisdiction.

This is not just a lack of constitutional courtesy, it is a serious challenge to India’s federal structure. The Constitution gives the Governor a limited role, but in practice, they often act as extensions of the Centre’s political will. This is especially true in states ruled by opposition parties, and Bengal is a prime example.

One of the roots of this conflict lies in the 2021 Assembly elections. For the first time, the BJP emerged as the main opposition party in West Bengal. Although it couldn’t form the government, it established itself as a strong alternative to Trinamool. Since then, BJP has been working hard to strengthen its political base.

Trinamool now faces the challenge of retaining its traditional support base. In rural areas especially South Bengal, where Trinamool has had a strong hold, BJP is gradually making inroads. Meanwhile, BJP is focusing on expanding its base in North Bengal and tribal regions. This political competition naturally spills into the Assembly as well, where instead of meaningful discussions, we often witness heated accusations and chaos.

State elections are expected in March-April next year. As elections approach, this political conflict will intensify further. Both parties are trying to shape the narrative to their advantage. Trinamool is framing it as a fight between external forces and Bengali identity, while BJP is sharpening its campaign against corruption, appeasement, and misgovernance. But amid all this, it is democratic dignity that is suffering the most.

The Assembly, which should be the highest platform for debate and discussion is now witnessing scenes of physical scuffles and even people fainting. This deeply hurts the soul of democracy. The opposition’s role is to question and hold the government accountable, while the ruling party’s responsibility is to create space for criticism and ensure a conducive environment for debate. But in Bengal, this balance has been lost.

Historically, Bengal’s politics has been known for its strong ideological battles and movements. Once a stronghold of the Left, the state saw the Left Front in power for 34 years. But in 2011, Mamata Banerjee broke that fortress and made history. Since the rise of Trinamool, the Centre vs State dimension has grown deeper in Bengal’s politics.

Mamata Banerjee has projected herself as the voice of Bengal against the power in Delhi. This is why every clash between the Centre and the state is presented by her as an attack on the federal structure. On the other hand, BJP frames it as the Centre’s duty to act against corruption and anarchy. This ongoing confrontation has made political discourse extremely polarized.

But the real question is: Where do the people stand in this entire struggle? Do the scenes witnessed in the Assembly reflect the expectations of common citizens? People expect their elected representatives to discuss real issues and find solutions. But when the Assembly turns into a platform for political stunts rather than discussions, the public begins to lose faith in democratic institutions.

Issues like the safety of Bengali migrants, unemployment, education, healthcare, and economic development require serious debate. But if political parties use them only to craft election narratives, then real solutions will never be found. Political parties in West Bengal must understand that democracy is not just about winning elections, it rests on a healthy tradition of dialogue, agreement, and disagreement.

If the opposition is not heard in the Assembly, it will take to the streets. And if the ruling party uses its majority to silence dissent, democratic balance will be lost. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly increase confrontation. But during this period, all parties must show that they are capable of upholding the dignity of democratic institutions.

The events in the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday were not just a one-day disturbance. They reflect a deeper trend that politics today is more about confrontation and spectacle than dialogue. Whether it is the issue of Bengali migrants, the platform removal controversy, or the Governor-state government conflicts every incident is being shaped by election strategies.

In the coming months, election activity will intensify. Therefore, it is crucial that all political parties realize that elections will come and go, but the dignity of democratic institutions and constitutional traditions is the soul of this system. If they are repeatedly torn apart, the damage will not be limited to Bengal alone, it will affect Indian democracy as a whole.