Rajya Sabha Erupts in Political Row Over 'Mini Pakistan' Remark on Kolkata Port Land
A significant political controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during the Question Hour, sparking heated exchanges and protests from opposition members. The uproar was triggered by BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya, who raised the issue of widespread encroachment on land belonging to the Kolkata Port.
BJP MP's Allegation and TMC's Immediate Backlash
Samik Bhattacharya, while addressing the issue, stated that the encroached area has been publicly referred to as "mini Pakistan" by the Kolkata mayor, who is also a Trinamool Congress MLA. This remark immediately drew strong protests from opposition MPs, particularly those from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC members vociferously objected to the terminology, with some even protesting in the aisle of the House, demanding that the phrase be withdrawn and expunged from the records.
Minister's Admission on Port Land Encroachment
Amid the chaos, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, provided a crucial admission. He acknowledged that a large portion of Kolkata Port land has indeed been encroached upon. Thakur further explained that while cases have been filed in court regarding these encroachments, the port authority has been unable to successfully get the land vacated, highlighting ongoing legal and administrative challenges in reclaiming the territory.
Opposition Demands and Sarcastic Retort
The opposition's reaction was swift and multifaceted. NCP-SP MP Fauzia Khan urged the Chairman to expunge the "mini Pakistan" phrase from the proceedings, citing its inflammatory nature. Adding a layer of sarcasm to the debate, CPM MP John Brittas quipped that if Bhattacharya insists on calling the area "mini Pakistan," then "Islamabad will demand that territory." This remark underscored the geopolitical sensitivities and the potential diplomatic implications of using such terminology in a parliamentary discussion.
The session underscored deep political divisions and the sensitive nature of land encroachment issues in urban areas, with the "mini Pakistan" comment becoming a focal point for broader debates on communal harmony and administrative efficacy.
