Guwahati, 5th February: Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s inaugural address during the opening day of the Budget Session faced a tumultuous interruption as opposition members staged a walkout, compelling the Governor to cut his speech short at just one minute and 20 seconds.
The disruption occurred amid heightened anticipation as the Assam Legislative Assembly commenced its Budget Session, scheduled to run until February 28. The session is crucial for discussions and policy announcements, leading up to the presentation of the state budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 by Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog on February 12.
The abrupt end to Governor Kataria’s speech marked an unusual start to the proceedings, with the opposition’s protests overshadowing the customary formalities. The contentious atmosphere in the assembly indicated a deep-seated disagreement.
Security measures within the assembly premises had been tightened ahead of the session in anticipation of potential disruptions. Despite these precautions, the intensity of the opposition’s objection surprised many attendees. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s announcement of the Assam Polygamy Ban Bill added controversy to the charged political environment. Additionally, the Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) Bill, 2024, is set to be presented, along with several new and amendment bills during the Budget Session.