Stormy scenes in Assam Assembly: AIUDF MLAs, Akhil Gogoi suspended amid heated debate
The Assam Legislative Assembly turned into a battleground on Day 6 of the Budget Session, with fiery protests, suspensions, and adjournments dominating the proceedings. All AIUDF MLAs were suspended for 10 minutes following a dramatic protest against Health Minister Ashok Singhal’s alleged remarks targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The tension erupted when AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam moved a breach of privilege motion, accusing Singhal of making discriminatory comments in Dhekiajuli, allegedly hinting that ‘Miyas’ (Bengali-speaking Muslims) would be excluded from government welfare schemes.
“The minister has openly expressed his prejudice against an entire community. He should either step down or issue a public apology,” demanded Islam.
However, Speaker Biswajit Daimary rejected the motion, citing procedural shortcomings. The refusal triggered chaos in the House, leading to a 20-minute adjournment. When the session resumed, Deputy Speaker Numal Momin urged the opposition to follow due process, but their continued defiance led to their suspension for 10 minutes.
“We cannot keep adjourning the House at the expense of taxpayers,’ Momin stated firmly.
The uproar didn’t end there. Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi found himself in hot water after refusing to withdraw a resolution demanding the revival of the Old Pension Scheme. Despite a voice vote rejecting the proposal, Gogoi persisted in demanding a formal vote on the withdrawal. AIUDF MLAs supported his call, intensifying the disruptions.
His continued defiance led to a brief three-minute adjournment, but when the session reconvened, Gogoi remained adamant, prompting his suspension for the rest of the day.
Adding to the list of suspensions, AIUDF legislator Ashraful Hussain and Congress MLA Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam were also expelled during Question Hour for repeatedly disrupting proceedings.
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