Political firestorm in Assam Assembly: Protests, suspensions, and unruly scenes rock budget session
GUWAHATI, March 4: The Assam Legislative Assembly witnessed high-voltage drama on Day 6 of the Budget Session as opposition AIUDF legislators staged a protest demanding a breach of privilege motion against Health Minister Ashok Singhal for his alleged anti-Bengali Muslim remarks. The uproar led to their suspension for 10 minutes and a 20-minute adjournment of the House.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam attempted to move the breach of privilege motion, arguing that Singhal’s remarks—allegedly made in Dhekiajuli—insinuated that Bengali-speaking Muslims (‘Miyas’) would be excluded from government welfare schemes.
“The minister has made it publicly clear that he dislikes an entire community. He should be dismissed or at least apologize,” demanded Islam.
However, Speaker Biswajit Daimary denied the motion, stating it did not meet the necessary criteria. Unwilling to back down, AIUDF MLAs created a ruckus, forcing an adjournment. When the session resumed, Deputy Speaker Numal Momin urged them to follow procedural rules in moving the motion, but their continued protest led to their suspension for 10 minutes.
“We can’t adjourn the House at the cost of taxpayers,” Momin declared.
Akhil Gogoi & other MLAs suspended amid pension scheme dispute
Adding to the pandemonium, Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi faced suspension after he refused to withdraw a resolution demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.
Despite a voice vote rejecting his resolution, Gogoi insisted on a vote on the withdrawal, with AIUDF legislators backing him.
The refusal led to further disruptions, forcing a three-minute adjournment. But Gogoi remained defiant even after reassembly, prompting his suspension for the rest of the day.
Earlier, Speaker Daimary had also expelled AIUDF legislator Ashraful Hussain and Congress MLA Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam during the Question Hour for repeatedly interrupting proceedings.
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