New Delhi, Dec 5, 2025 — A heated exchange erupted in the Lok Sabha on Friday between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members over the alleged deportation of Bangla-speaking people to Bangladesh, with language becoming a central point of contention.

The issue was raised during the Zero Hour by TMC MP Shatabdi Roy, who spoke in Bangla to highlight a recent case in Odisha where a person was reportedly deported to Bangladesh. Roy asserted that a person’s language cannot be a basis for deportation or similar government action.

When Krishna Prasad Tenneti, chairing the proceedings, asked her to place her demand formally, Roy continued speaking beyond her allotted time, leading to her microphone being switched off. Undeterred, Roy and fellow TMC MP Mahua Moitra approached BJP MP Jugal Kishore’s seat and spoke into his microphone, prompting the chair to urge them to return to their seats. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal attempted to calm the situation.

Once she was allowed to conclude, Roy made a provocative remark suggesting that if Bangla speakers could be deported to Bangladesh, then speakers of Hindi and Urdu from the BJP should be sent to Pakistan. This triggered further uproar in the House.

In response, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned Roy’s statement, calling it factually incorrect and misleading. He clarified that Odisha has historically accommodated people from all states, including Bengali speakers, whom the state regards as brothers. However, he emphasised that the state has no tolerance for illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis or Rohingyas. Patra demanded that Roy withdraw her comment regarding Hindi and Urdu speakers and sought protection from the Chair over the language used by Roy against Odisha’s Chief Minister.

The incident highlighted ongoing political tensions in Parliament over citizenship, immigration, and regional identities, with language and nationality emerging as flashpoints in the debate.