Parties criticise bar on press meets in Bengal assembly

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Kolkata, Feb 11: The West Bengal assembly’s decision to bar press conferences at the media centre in the assembly premises when the house is not in session Saturday drew criticism from political parties, including the Congress, which is partner in the ruling alliance.

The parties also urged Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay to discuss the matter with all political parties before taking a final decision on it.

“This is an unnecessary and unprecedented order which is not acceptable. Leaders of various political parties may legitimately raise the issue with the speaker and we hope that he shall reconsider the matter,” Congress leader Om Prakash Mishra said.

Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) lawmaker Tarun Naskar said the legislators should be allowed to convene press conferences at the press corner but they should also take the speaker into confidence.

Naskar said he had a talk with Bandyopadhyay who assured him that he will convene an all-party meeting on this matter.

A circular issued by Bandyopadhyay Friday said that no press conference will be held at the media centre inside the assembly premises except during the assembly session.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Surjya Kanta Mishra, who is also leader of opposition, reiterated his stand on the issue and said the government wants to curb the voice of the opposition.

Stating that the decision exceeded the restrictions imposed during Emergency, he said that press corner is for all the members of the assembly to communicate their views to the media.

Bandyopadhyay defended his decision citing security reasons and maintaining the decorum and discipline of the house but said he was open to suggestions from members on the issue.

IANS