‘Mini Pakistan’ reference in Rajya Sabha kicks up a row
NEW DELHI: A political row erupted in RS Tuesday during Question Hour after BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya raised encroachment of Kolkata Port land and said the area had been publicly referred to as “mini Pakistan” by the Kolkata mayor, a Trinamool MLA.
Amid protests from opposition MPs, particularly TMC, MoS ports, shipping and waterways Shantanu Thakur admitted a large portion of port land has been encroached upon, cases have been filed in court, but the authority is unable to get the land vacated.
TMC members protested in the aisle, while NCP-SP’s Fauzia Khan urged the chairman to expunge the phrase. Later, CPM’s John Brittas quipped that if Bhattacharya calls the area ‘mini Pakistan’, “Islamabad will demand that territory.” TNN
Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search
TMC members protested in the aisle, while NCP-SP’s Fauzia Khan urged the chairman to expunge the phrase. Later, CPM’s John Brittas quipped that if Bhattacharya calls the area ‘mini Pakistan’, “Islamabad will demand that territory.” TNN
Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search
Top Comment
G
Guest
28 minutes ago
Forget the names , it is utterly shameful that we have govt of any sort & such encroachment of strategic land is allowed, no justification or argument can ever justify it , what is the govt just a tool of the encrochersRead allPost comment
Popular from India
- 'This is the status of the book': Ex-army chief MM Naravane reacts to row over memoir; shares publisher's statement
- 'Could be part of conspiracy': Rohit Pawar raises doubts over Ajit Pawar plane crash, questions pilot's role
- No-confidence motion: Speaker Om Birla not to preside over proceedings till decision on oppn's notice
- 'Support of all 136 MLAs': Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar amid power tussle over CM post
- Explained: How a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker works — and does oppn have the numbers
end of article
Trending Stories
- Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 10, 2026)
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs (02-10-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more
- T20 WC: NZ chase down 174 in 15.2 overs for a 10-wicket victory over UAE
- Yankees 2026 Spring Training schedule: Key dates, report times, and the March trip to Arizona
- Quote of the day by Virat Kohli: 'It's time for the next generation to take over'
- Coco Jones Pregame Performance: Singer shares message of hope after Super Bowl LX; tribute to Whitney Houston
- “I would never want to hear my mother talking about the strip club”: Savannah James sparks debate with viral strip club confession igniting reactions online
Featured in India
- Promises loud, Budgets grand, but delivery absent: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
- Rahul says no to debate on Budget, wins allies’ praise
- Government confident it did better in battle of wits with opposition
- Joblessness among those aged 15 and above falls in rural, urban areas in Oct-Dec: PLFS
- SC: Make front-of-pack warning labels a must on packaged food
- Ensure marginalised groups’ representation in MP legal team: SC
Photostories
- Factory making 1800+ liters of milk daily with detergent and urea fertilizer busted in Gujarat: 6 smart ways to check milk purity at home
- Promise Day special: Bollywood stories where words turn into lifelong vows
- 8 easy buttermilk dishes to add in lunch menu
- 5 succulents that bring you good luck and prosperity
- Five unforgettable true romance stories that re-wrote love on the big screen: 'The Vow,' 'The Theory of Everything' and more
- 5 warning signs to spot before starting a serious relationship
- 8 traditional Indian dishes among 50 Best Stews in the World
- Top 5 real estate hotspots in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in 2026 for investment in property
- Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose, I either win or learn”: 4 lessons it teaches students
- Jimin to Suga: BTS’ airport style wins again as the group heads back to Korea
Videos
03:15 Tharoor Praises Parliamentary Panel Meet On India-EU, India-US Trade Deals27:27 Congress Moves No-Trust Motion Against Om Birla; Lamborghini CCTV Contradicts Tobacco Tycoon’s Claim04:39 ‘Not To Get Involved In Political Game’: EU Launches Mission For Bangladesh 2026 Polls05:04 No-Confidence Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Explained: Process, Rules And Numbers In Parliament04:23 Days Before Bangladesh Elections, Another Hindu Businessman Killed, Fears Rise Over Minority Safety05:33 Opposition targets LS Speaker with no-confidence motion — rules, process & numbers – Explained09:32 Pakistan Admits US-Backed Jihad In Afghan Wars A Mistake, But Still Accuses India Of Proxy War03:13 "That Day Will Never Come..." Yogi Adityanath Fires Warning At Those Dreaming Of Babri Structure03:57 Opposition Cites ‘Abuse Of Office’ In No-Confidence Move Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Up Next