Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay urged peaceful discussion on migrant workers’ mistreatment, prioritizing Bengali-speaking people’s interests
Kolkata
The West Bengal Assembly on Monday admitted a motion to discuss alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in several BJP-ruled states. The motion, moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, was accepted by Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay during the first day of the Special Session.
Though admitted, the House was adjourned after the motion, with discussions scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. Each day will have two hours of debate on the issue, while Wednesday is a holiday for Karam Puja. The Speaker urged all parties to participate constructively, emphasizing that the matter concerns the language, culture, and rights of Bengalis working outside the state.
The discussions are expected to go beyond migrant harassment. Legislators may also raise concerns over the Election Commission’s upcoming Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and the fate of the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill. The Bill, which prescribes harsher punishment for crimes like rape and rape-murder, was sent back by President Droupadi Murmu in July for reconsideration after the Union government sought clarifications.
Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay highlighted growing anxiety among people in West Bengal regarding reports of mistreatment of migrant workers. “We expect that all parties will discuss this peacefully. The interest of Bengali-speaking people is at the core of this motion,” he said.
The motion reflects increasing political focus on the welfare of migrant workers, many of whom are employed across India in construction, services, and industry. By scheduling dedicated debates, the Assembly aims to give the matter priority attention and signal its seriousness to both citizens and the Centre.
