Union Minister of State and former BJP West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar on Monday alleged a “serious breach of privilege” after his vehicle was allegedly stopped by police outside the Kolkata airport where he had gone to see off Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Majumdar wrote, “Wish to bring to your kind notice a matter of grave concern regarding the violation of protocol and contempt of privilege by the West Bengal Police…when I proceeded to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, to see off the Hon’ble Prime Minister, my vehicle was halted at the first barricade by a Sub-Inspector and a constable of the West Bengal Police.”
“At the very same time, however, the vehicle of a West Bengal Minister, Shri Sujit Bose, was permitted to pass without obstruction up to the VVIP Gate No. 4 of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata,” the letter read.
“The conduct of the said officials was further derogatory, as they attempted to make light of the situation. Upon my enquiry regarding the reason for this unwarranted action, they stated that they were acting on the instructions of the Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar, Smt. Aishwariya Sagar,” he further wrote.
The incident, he alleged, reflected that the authorities in West Bengal were deliberately disregarding the established protocol applicable to the “ministers of Government of India”.
Requesting the Speaker to ‘take cognizance’ of the matter, he added, “I, therefore, urge you to take cognisance of the matter and refer it to the Privilege Committee for appropriate examination and action.”
Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas.
Experience & Authority
Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata.
Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects.
Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010.
Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting.
Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University.
Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read More