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8 BJP MLAs quit as Bengal House panel heads over Mukul Roy’s appointment
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari objected to Roy’s elevation, citing that he recently crossed over to the ruling Trinamool Congress last month after winning the polls on a BJP ticket, and cannot be considered a BJP legislator.
Eight legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party resigned as heads of various assembly panels in West Bengal to protest MLA Mukul Roy’s appointment as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari objected to Roy’s elevation, citing that he recently crossed over to the ruling Trinamool Congress last month after winning the polls on a BJP ticket, and cannot be considered a BJP legislator.
A BJP delegation, led by Adhikari, also called on governor Jagdeep Dhankhar to seek his intervention in the matter on Tuesday. “This (making Roy the PAC chairman) is violation of rule 302 of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the West Bengal Assembly. We have sought the intervention of the Governor in this regard...,” said Adhikari.
Roy was made chairman of the PAC on July 9.
Soon after the meeting, Dhankhar tweeted: “A Delegation of opposition MLAs led by the Leader of Opposition #WBLA Shri @SuvenduWB called on WB Governor Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at Raj Bhawan Kolkata today at 4 PM. Leader of Opposition submitted a representation as regards irregularities relatable to PAC Chairman #WBLA.”
Adhikari added that the copies of the memorandum would also be sent to the President of India and Lok Sabha Speaker.
The TMC, however, hit back saying that appointment of PAC chairman is the domain of the Speaker. “Adhikari should know that appointing the PAC chairman is the speaker’s domain and prerogative. The Governor can do nothing. He may approach anyone from President to Lok Sabha Speaker...” said Tapas Roy, TMC deputy chief whip.
