Guwahati, 22nd August: The autumn session of the Assam Assembly commenced on a contentious note on Thursday, marked by a dramatic walkout from the opposition after Speaker Biswajit Daimary dismissed their three adjournment motions.
Congress, AIUDF, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal members protested by congregating in the Well of the House, brandishing placards and shouting slogans. Their grievances included issues related to high charges by smart meters, an attack on a national-level minor athlete, and restrictions on land transactions between communities.
Congress Leader of the Opposition, Debabrata Saikia, criticized the smart meter charges as excessive, while AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam argued that property acquisition restrictions based on religion are unconstitutional. Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi highlighted worsening law and order, citing police inaction in a recent assault case and the potential threat posed by ULFA(I)’s bomb threats.
Parliament Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika countered that the matters raised did not justify adjournment motions and could be discussed through other parliamentary procedures. Speaker Daimary agreed, rejecting the motions and labeling the opposition’s protests as pre-planned and unacceptable.
Following the heated exchange, opposition members walked out for approximately five minutes before returning to the session.
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