Manoranjan Byapari Health Scare: West Bengal’s political circles were jolted on Monday afternoon after renowned Dalit author-turned-Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator, Manoranjan Byapari, suddenly fell ill during the state assembly’s ongoing monsoon session. The incident occurred as lawmakers debated pressing legislative matters in the monsoon session at Kolkata’s historic Vidhan Sabha, drawing concern across party lines.
Byapari was quickly provided first aid on-site before being shifted to the Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital, where doctors are currently monitoring him.
Incident Details: Fainting During Assembly Session
The unsettling moment took place at approximately 2:30 PM on Monday. Eyewitnesses report that Byapari — representing the Balagarh constituency — appeared visibly uncomfortable during the debates and eventually showed signs of dizziness.
Fellow MLAs seated nearby raised an alarm as the veteran writer and politician slumped in his seat. Immediate assistance was rendered by the assembly’s medical team who rushed in to check his vital signs.
As per the hospital’s latest update, Byapari experienced sudden dehydration and a brief drop in blood pressure, possibly triggered by Kolkata’s stifling humidity and the rigors of long legislative hours. The session was briefly paused to allow safe evacuation.
Immediate Medical Response and Hospitalization
Once emergency protocols were activated, the on-site doctors administered basic stabilization, including water, fluids, and measured oxygen. A stretcher was then used to shift him to a dedicated ambulance waiting at the assembly gates.
A senior TMC official present in the session remarked:
“Our primary concern was to ensure Shri Manoranjan Byapari received prompt and adequate care. Every MLA and staff member wished for his swift recovery as he was transferred to SSKM Hospital without delay.”
By approximately 3:15 PM, the ambulance carrying Byapari reached SSKM Hospital. Doctors promptly moved him into the intensive care unit for close observation and diagnostic tests including an ECG, blood tests, and vitals checkup.
Hospital Briefing and Health Status
Dr. Ravi Sharma, a spokesperson at SSKM Hospital, provided the following medical update late Monday evening:
“Manoranjan Byapari-ji is stable and under continuous observation. Our primary tests so far show mild dehydration and slight fatigue. Given his age and health profile, we will monitor him overnight and reassess his vitals in the morning.”
No signs of serious complications — such as cardiac distress or infections — have been detected. A discharge is anticipated in 48 to 72 hours if progress continues as expected.
Manoranjan Byapari: From Rickshaw-Puller to Literary Icon and MLA
This health scare has brought into sharp focus the remarkable life and career of Manoranjan Byapari, a story that embodies resilience and perseverance.
Born into a family displaced by Partition in the early 1950s and raised in refugee camps, Byapari spent his early years in poverty and hardship. Forced to take up odd jobs at a very young age — including working as a rickshaw-puller — he faced hunger, discrimination, and systemic exclusion at every turn.
Despite these adversities, a burning desire to rise above his circumstances led him to self-educate during an incarceration period in the 1970s. Byapari learned to read and write in jail — a formative experience that changed the course of his life.
Once released, he nurtured his newfound literacy into a passionate career as a writer. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he penned scores of short stories, essays, and articles — often centered on caste oppression and the Dalit experience.
Byapari’s literary prowess became evident with his celebrated autobiography, “Interrogating My Chandal Life”, which explores the trauma and resilience that shaped him. Other acclaimed works include “I Write as I Want,” “There’s Gunpowder in the Air,” and essays that have been widely published in Bengali literary journals and international media.
As his prominence in Bengali literary circles grew, Byapari also became an outspoken voice on Dalit rights and socio-economic justice. This earned him recognition like the The Hindu Prize (2019) and a JCB Prize shortlist (2023).
Manoranjan Byapari Health Scare: Political Role and Public Service
Byapari’s trajectory into politics took a decisive turn in 2021 when the Trinamool Congress nominated him as a candidate for the Balagarh constituency. Winning the assembly seat by a comfortable margin, Byapari transitioned into a legislative role that reflected his lifelong commitment to uplift marginalized communities.
As a Dalit MLA, he has been an active participant in the West Bengal Assembly, often emphasizing policies on social equity, rural development, and education for underprivileged youth. Furthermore, he also holds the chairpersonship of the West Bengal Dalit Sahitya Academy since 2020 — a post that enables him to foster literature and cultural rights for Dalits.
Political and Public Reactions Pour In After Byapari’s Health Scare
The news of Manoranjan Byapari’s sudden illness sent shockwaves through the political landscape of West Bengal and beyond. Known for his fierce honesty, dedication to social justice, and rich literary background, Byapari enjoys respect across political and ideological lines — a rarity in today’s polarized environment.
Trinamool Congress Responds Swiftly
Trinamool Congress leaders and party spokespersons quickly expressed solidarity with their ailing colleague. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was not present at the assembly during the incident, was briefed immediately and is said to have personally enquired about his health from the hospital authorities. In a short message issued later in the evening, she wrote:
“Shri Manoranjan Byapari is not just a legislator; he is a powerful symbol of courage, creativity, and conscience. We are praying for his quick recovery and return to the Assembly where his voice is needed.”
Senior TMC leaders including Firhad Hakim, Partha Chatterjee, and Dr. Shashi Panja also took to social media to share updates and extend their wishes.
Opposition Leaders Join in Support
The goodwill extended beyond party lines. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA from Nandigram, also issued a statement:
“We may differ in ideology, but I have always admired Mr. Byapari’s rise from hardship and his contribution to public life. Wishing him strength and health. The Assembly is incomplete without voices like his.”
Left Front MLAs, Congress representatives, and independents followed suit, emphasizing how much they value Byapari’s balanced and inclusive approach to debate.
Public Sympathy and Social Media Storm
Soon after the news broke, supporters, citizens, and readers flooded social media with messages of concern. The hashtag #GetWellSoonByapari trended in West Bengal for several hours, with users posting photos from his book events, quotes from his speeches, and clippings of his assembly debates.
Popular Bengali writer Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay tweeted:
“A writer who walked miles on the margins is now a voice in the corridors of power. That is India’s real democracy. Let Manoranjan-ji recover soon. His story is still being written.”
Monsoon Session Pressures: The Background
The monsoon session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, which began on June 20, was expected to be one of the most heated and agenda-packed sessions of the year. With key discussions on rural employment, panchayat transparency, Mamata Banerjee’s new urban renewal schemes, and growing tension over central fund delays, the session has kept lawmakers on edge.
Add to that the sweltering Kolkata monsoon weather — with 85% humidity, sticky temperatures, and unpredictable downpours — and the physical toll on legislators becomes apparent.
On the day of Byapari’s illness, proceedings had been especially intense. Multiple interjections, a high-profile question hour, and opposition walkouts had already stretched nerves by noon. MLAs were engaged in back-to-back debates without adequate recess, breaks, or cooling facilities.
Assembly Speaker’s Statement
Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, while temporarily suspending the session after the incident, acknowledged that “long sessions with minimal breaks and extreme weather conditions are not ideal for anyone — especially senior legislators. We must reflect on these realities moving forward.”
There’s now growing demand for shorter sittings during high-heat periods and access to mobile health units inside the Assembly building — especially for MLAs above the age of 60.
Legislative Work and Hidden Health Hazards
While politics is often seen as a game of words and strategy, the health risks that come with active legislative roles are rarely discussed in the public domain. Yet studies show that politicians face considerable stress and health complications, especially during intense assembly or parliamentary sessions.
Common Risks During Sessions
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Dehydration and Heat Stroke – Many MLAs wear traditional garments, which do not allow sweat to evaporate easily. Paired with little time for water breaks, dehydration is a common and dangerous risk.
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Mental Stress – Political debates, especially those involving allegations, funding crises, or public anger, can spike cortisol levels. Repeated exposure to such stress can affect the heart, blood pressure, and mood regulation.
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Sedentary Pressure – Lawmakers often sit continuously for 5–6 hours or more during sessions, leading to circulation issues, muscle fatigue, and spinal stress.
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Erratic Meals – With sessions running long, lunch often gets skipped or delayed, affecting blood sugar levels and causing fatigue.
Medical Experts Weigh In
Dr. Mousumi Roy, a senior physician at Apollo Gleneagles, shared:
“When a senior lawmaker like Mr. Byapari collapses, it’s a wake-up call. Our politicians need scheduled hydration breaks, fast-response medical teams during sessions, and a flexible calendar. Mental and physical stress are intertwined, especially in heated monsoon sittings.”
Previous Incidents: A Pattern Emerging?
Manoranjan Byapari is not the first legislator to fall ill during a session. In the past decade, West Bengal has witnessed at least six incidents of similar nature:
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In 2016, MLA Rabindranath Bhattacharya fainted during a budget discussion.
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In 2020, CPI(M) veteran Anisur Rahman experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure and was admitted to a private hospital.
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In 2022, two MLAs — one from TMC and one from BJP — had to be hospitalized for respiratory distress during prolonged monsoon proceedings.
While none of these incidents turned fatal, they reveal a pressing need to re-examine how legislative duties intersect with health.
Assembly and Health Reforms: The Way Ahead
Following the recent event, several MLAs have reportedly proposed forming a Health & Wellness Oversight Panel inside the Assembly. This committee could recommend:
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Availability of ORS and cold water bottles
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Shorter session lengths during summers and monsoons
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Scheduled wellness checks for senior MLAs
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Access to mental health professionals during budget or crisis weeks
A proposal for mandatory fitness certification for all new MLAs has also been floated, though it remains controversial.
1. West Bengal Legislative Assembly (Official Site)
Provides official information about the Assembly, Speaker, and procedural updates.
• https://www.wbassembly.gov.in/
2. IPGMER & SSKM Hospital (Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research)
Covers institutional details such as hospital capacity, trauma centre setup, accreditations, and government-run facilities.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPGMER_and_SSKM_Hospital
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