BJP Stages Walkout Over Firhad Hakim's Alleged Comments

BJP MLAs walked out of the West Bengal Assembly in protest against the Speaker's decision not to allow a motion seeking an apology from Minister Firhad Hakim over alleged public comments. The BJP claims Hakim's statements at a religious event hurt sentiments, demanding an apology on the assembly floor.

The West Bengal Assembly witnessed a dramatic walkout on Friday as BJP MLAs protested the Speaker's refusal to allow a motion demanding an apology from Minister Firhad Hakim over an alleged inflammatory comment.

Approximately 55 BJP legislators, led by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, exited the session after Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay declined their motion related to Hakim's purported comments at a religious event. The controversial remarks were captured in a video earlier this month, where Hakim allegedly implied non-Muslims were born with misfortune, sparking outrage among the BJP members.

Despite Hakim's defense of his secular beliefs and long-standing participation in Hindu festivals, BJP legislators maintained his statement was detrimental to pluralism and the Constitution. They vowed to boycott his speeches and replies in the assembly until he issued a formal apology.