Kolkata: The important Winter Session of the West Bengal Assembly kicks off today, with anticipations of heated debates between the Treasury and Opposition Benches on various issues.
On the first day, the House is expected to adjourn after the customary “obituary mentions,” with substantial discussions set to commence on Tuesday. This session will run until December 10, and there will be no proceedings on December 6, as the Trinamool Congress plans to observe Babri Mosque Demolition Day, along with weekends.
One of the first contentious topics likely to stir debate is a motion from the Treasury Bench opposing the Union government’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Trinamool Congress members are expected to denounce this Bill as an infringement on state rights and a threat to minority communities. The Opposition BJP legislators are poised to counter this motion, leading to potentially heated exchanges, although the specific date for this motion has yet to be determined.
Another significant motion planned by the Treasury Bench will criticize the Union government’s handling of funds allocated to the state under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. BJP insiders have indicated that their legislators will respond by highlighting public grievances related to corruption in the scheme’s implementation.
Additionally, the Winter Session will include the oath-taking ceremony for six legislators elected in recent bypolls.
Another major issue expected to ignite discussions is the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata that occurred in August. This matter will reference the Aparajita Women & Child Bill, which seeks capital punishment for those convicted of rape and rape-murder. Though this Bill was passed in September, it is still awaiting approval from President Murmu.