Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday staged a walk out from the Rajya Sabha over alleged threats being given to its MPs by state BJP functionaries in West Bengal.
The issue was raised by senior TMC leader Derek O’ Brien soon after the papers were laid on the table in the Upper House.
“My colleagues, Trinamool MPs have been threatened by BJP functionaries in Bengal. Please read this media report sir. Our MPs are saying that they will be arrested. In a democracy, this is not done,” Brien said.
He urged the Chair to see the media clippings on the issue and said “open threats have been issued by BJP functionaries in Bengal.”
Stating that the TMC did not want to disrupt the proceedings, Brien said, “I will leave the House (on this issue). We are walking out.”
In a democracy, the state agencies are controlled by the government and not by the ruling party. There is a difference between the government and the party, he said.
Brien then walked out of the House along with other members of his party.