Guwahati, Feb 16: High drama unfolded on February 16 as the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began with uproar, after opposition MLAs stormed the Well of the House during Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya’s address and attempted to disrupt proceedings.
The protest erupted within five minutes of the Governor commencing his 40-minute speech. Legislators from the Indian National Congress, All India United Democratic Front, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the lone Independent member left their seats and gathered near the podium, holding placards and shouting slogans.
In the commotion, several MLAs attempted to hurl copies of the Governor’s speech towards the podium. Marshals quickly intervened, seizing the booklets and removing placards and papers from the protesting members. More than 20 security personnel formed a protective ring around the Governor as over 30 opposition legislators occupied the Well of the House throughout the address.
The opposition members raised slogans over a controversial video allegedly linked to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and also demanded justice for popular singer Zubeen Garg. Some MLAs staged a sit-in on the floor even as the Governor continued reading his speech amid the uproar.
Despite the disruption, Acharya pressed on with his address, detailing the government’s development programmes, welfare initiatives and key achievements over the past five years.
The session marks the final full sitting of the Assembly under the current government before Assam heads to elections. The Vote on Account is scheduled to be presented on Tuesday, paving the way for interim financial approvals ahead of the polls.
