The winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly opened on Tuesday with the Opposition staging multiple protests both inside and outside the Assembly premises, turning the first day into a charged political atmosphere.
Raijor Dal Chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi led one of the most visible demonstrations. Holding placards and wearing a black cloth tied around his arm, Gogoi demanded that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma step down from the home affairs portfolio. He also reiterated the call for a CBI probe into the death of music icon Zubeen Garg. Gogoi staged his protest seated under the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the Assembly complex.
Members of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also held placards and protested against the state government’s eviction drives, alleging that affected families were left without rehabilitation or proper shelter. They claimed that several people had died following the evictions and accused the government of selectively targeting particular communities.
Ahead of the day’s proceedings, Leader of the Opposition and Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia said that the opposition parties would collectively raise critical issues. He noted that the discussions would include demands for justice for Zubeen Garg, the state’s flood situation, the condition of the education system, drinking water scarcity, and the challenges faced by contractual workers. He added that the Opposition would also question the government over its promise of creating 25 lakh jobs in five years, stating that only around one lakh jobs have reportedly been delivered so far.
AIUDF legislator Rafiqul Islam echoed similar concerns, saying the party would highlight what it described as ongoing injustices and governance failures. He reaffirmed support for seeking justice for Zubeen Garg and criticised the manner in which eviction drives were carried out. Islam alleged that the policies of the Chief Minister were divisive and said the party would strongly oppose what it termed “inhumane” displacement of citizens during winter.
The winter session is currently underway, with expectations of intense debates over several public concerns in the days ahead.
