A political firestorm erupted in the West Bengal Assembly on September 4, 2025, after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “vote chor” (vote thief), triggering outrage from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators and leading to demands for her resignation. The remark, made during a heated debate on electoral integrity and governance, resulted in a near standstill of House proceedings, with five BJP MLAs suspended following a physical and verbal clash with marshals and Trinamool Congress (TMC) members.
The BJP has condemned Banerjee’s comments as “indecent and undignified,” accusing her of insulting the highest constitutional office and inciting disorder. National spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari led the charge, demanding immediate action and drawing parallels to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s defamation conviction over similar remarks.
🧭 Timeline of Assembly Uproar and Political Fallout
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 4, 2025 | Mamata Banerjee calls PM Modi “vote chor” in Assembly | BJP protests, House proceedings disrupted |
| Sept 4, 2025 | BJP MLAs clash with marshals, 5 suspended | Accusations of violence and bias |
| Sept 5, 2025 | BJP demands Mamata’s resignation | National media and political backlash |
| Sept 6, 2025 | Suvendu Adhikari calls for defamation case | Legal and constitutional debate reignited |
The Assembly turned into a battleground of slogans, with chants of “vote chor BJP” countered by “chakri chor TMC” echoing through the House.
🔍 BJP’s Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee
| Allegation Type | Details Provided by BJP Leaders | Political Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Abuse of PM Modi | “Vote chor” remark deemed defamatory | BJP demands resignation and apology |
| Incitement of Violence | BJP MLAs allegedly assaulted by marshals | Accusations of TMC authoritarianism |
| Disruption of Assembly | House proceedings halted for hours | Governance paralysis |
| Precedent of Defamation | Reference to Rahul Gandhi’s conviction | Legal action being considered |
Gaurav Bhatia stated, “She is using abusive language for someone who is as pure as Ganga water and has been made the pradhan sevak by the people of the country”.
📉 Suspension of BJP MLAs and Assembly Breakdown
| MLA Name | Constituency | Reason for Suspension | BJP’s Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manoj Tigga | Madarihat | Alleged physical altercation | “Targeted for raising voice” |
| Agnimitra Paul | Asansol South | Verbal protest | “Democracy being strangled” |
| Mihir Goswami | Natabari | Disruption of proceedings | “TMC using marshals as muscle” |
| Shankar Ghosh | Siliguri | Slogan shouting | “Speaker acting under TMC pressure” |
| Tapasi Mondal | Haldia | Refused to leave House floor | “Unjustified and politically motivated” |
The BJP has accused the Speaker of bias and demanded a judicial inquiry into the use of marshals inside the Assembly.
🔥 Legal and Political Repercussions
| Action Proposed | By Whom | Legal Basis / Precedent |
|---|---|---|
| Defamation Case | Suvendu Adhikari | Reference to Rahul Gandhi’s conviction |
| Speaker’s Censure | BJP Legislative Wing | Violation of Assembly norms |
| Governor’s Intervention | BJP Bengal Unit | Appeal for constitutional review |
| Public Apology Demand | BJP National Spokespersons | Restoration of dignity to PM’s office |
Adhikari argued, “If Rahul Gandhi was convicted for defaming the Modi community, why should Mamata Banerjee be exempt for similar remarks?”.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Assembly Uproar
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Political Analyst | “This is not just a war of words—it’s a battle for narrative control ahead of 2026.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Constitutional Law Expert | “The Speaker’s neutrality is under serious scrutiny.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Indian Politics | “Mamata’s rhetoric reflects a shift toward populist confrontation.” |
Experts believe the incident could influence voter sentiment and deepen political polarization in West Bengal.
📦 Political Landscape Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
| Party Name | Current Standing | Election Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| BJP | Principal opposition | Anti-corruption, law & order, central schemes |
| TMC | Ruling party | Welfare programs, Bengali identity politics |
| Congress | Marginal presence | Alliance building, youth outreach |
| CPI(M) | Revival attempts | Grassroots mobilization, anti-TMC narrative |
The BJP is expected to use the Assembly incident as a rallying point in its campaign narrative.
📅 Upcoming Political Milestones
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal Budget Session | November 2025 | Opportunity for BJP to raise governance issues |
| Lok Sabha Winter Session | December 2025 | National debate on Assembly conduct |
| State Election Commission Review | January 2026 | Finalization of poll dates and logistics |
| West Bengal Assembly Elections | April 2026 | High-stakes contest between BJP and TMC |
These milestones will shape the political climate and voter sentiment in the run-up to the elections.
📌 Conclusion
The BJP’s demand for Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over her “vote chor” remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has escalated into a full-blown political and legal confrontation. With Assembly proceedings disrupted, MLAs suspended, and defamation charges looming, the incident has become a flashpoint in West Bengal’s volatile political landscape. As both parties dig in for a fierce electoral battle, the question remains whether rhetoric will overshadow governance—or galvanize it.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and expert commentary as of September 6, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
