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Bengal BJP Names First-Time MLA Rathindra Bose as Speaker Candidate in Surprise Move

The West Bengal BJP has named first-time MLA Rathindra Bose as its nominee for the post of Assembly Speaker, surprising many who expected senior leader Tapas Roy. Bose, who defeated the TMC candidate by over 23,000 votes from Cooch Behar Dakshin, is expected to be elected unanimously. He has promised to provide democratic space for the opposition, contrasting with the previous TMC regime. Bose is a long-time BJP and RSS worker, currently serving as the party's state vice-president.

Key Points: Bengal BJP Surprise: First-Time MLA Named Speaker Candidate

  • BJP names first-time MLA Rathindra Bose for Speaker
  • Move surprises many, bypassing senior leader Tapas Roy
  • Bose defeated TMC's Avijit De Bhowmik by over 23,000 votes
  • Bose promises democratic space for opposition in Assembly
2 min read

Surprise move: Bengal BJP names first-time MLA as candidate for Assembly Speaker

In a surprise move, West Bengal BJP names first-time MLA Rathindra Bose as its candidate for Assembly Speaker, bypassing senior leader Tapas Roy.

"Being an obedient and trusted soldier in his party, he would perform to the best of his ability - Rathindra Bose"

Kolkata, May 14

The Leader of the House in the West Bengal Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, made a surprise announcement on Thursday, naming first-time party legislator Rathindra Bose as the nominee for the post of Speaker.

Initially, it was perceived that the seniormost party MLA in terms of legislative experience, Tapas Roy, who is currently the pro-tem Speaker of the new Assembly administering oaths to all elected legislators, would be named as the permanent Speaker.

However, to the surprise of all, the BJP legislator from Cooch Behar (Dakshin) Assembly constituency in Cooch Behar district, Rathindra Bose, was announced as the name of the party's nominee for the post of Speaker.

"Shri Rathindra Bose; Bharatiya Janata Party MLA of the Cooch Behar Dakshin (South) Constituency has been nominated as our Candidate for the Post of Hon'ble Speaker of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly. I hope that his Candidature is supported by one and all and he gets elected unanimously," a social media statement issued by the Chief Minister in the morning read.

Unless any opposition party, including Trinamool Congress, fields any candidates for the Speaker's post, Bose, a first-time legislator, will be unanimously elected as the first Speaker from any Assembly constituency in North Bengal.

Bose got elected from Cooch Behar (Dakshin) Assembly constituency this time after defeating the Trinamool Congress candidate Avijit De Bhowmik by a margin of over 23,0000 votes.

After his name was announced as the BJP nominee for the post of Speaker, Bose told a media person that, being an "obedient and trusted soldier in his party, he would perform to the best of his ability" and deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to him by his party.

"During the previous Trinamool Congress regime, there was no space for the opposition to speak on the floor of the Assembly. But the BJP does not believe in this theory. We believe in democracy," Bose added.

As the BJP's state vice-president in West Bengal, Bose had handled organisational activities for the party in North Bengal, a strong base of the BJP since 2019.

At present, he is the convener of the BJP's North Bengal division. Although he has no experience in parliamentary politics, he is known as an acclaimed speaker. He has been associated with both the BJP and the RSS for a long time.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Tapas Roy must be disappointed, being the senior-most and pro-tem Speaker but overlooked. This sets a precedent where loyalty and organizational work matter more than legislative experience. Bose's claim about "democracy" is ironic given BJP's track record in other states. 🤔
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Nikhil C
First time MLA becomes Speaker in Bengal? That's a bold move! Bose's landslide victory margin of 23,000 votes shows people trust him. But being "obedient soldier" doesn't sound very Speaker-like - need impartiality. Let's see how he balances party loyalty with constitutional duties.
S
Sneha F
Pro-tem Speaker Tapas Roy should have been natural choice. This is pure politics - giving North Bengal representation at top post. Bose's RSS/Sangh background will help BJP consolidate base there. But democracy? In WB Assembly, opposition needs more than just a Speaker. Let's hope he means it. 🙏
A
Aditya G
Not surprised. BJP rewards loyal organizational workers. Bose has been party's North Bengal convener for years. His claim about TMC not letting opposition speak is true - Mamata's floor management was notorious. But I wonder if BJP will practice what they preach. Actions speak louder than words.
R
Riya H
First-time MLA as Speaker? 😱 Sure, he's an acclaimed speaker and RSS veteran, but parliamentary procedure is different. Tapas Roy was right there. This might backfire if Bose fumbles during Assembly proceedings. But let's be fair - everyone deserves a chance. Hoping he proves the critics wrong!

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