Assam Assembly in chaos: Opposition unites against minister Ashok Singhal; house adjourned twice, Akhil Gogoi suspended

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 21, 2025

The Assam Legislative Assembly plunged into disorder on Friday as the Opposition disrupted proceedings, demanding a House Committee probe into corruption allegations against Minister Ashok Singhal. The protest led to two adjournments, intensifying political clashes between the ruling and opposition benches.

The uproar began after Question Hour, when Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia attempted to introduce an adjournment motion to debate allegations against Singhal, the Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Irrigation.

Saikia accused Singhal of being involved in a multi-crore rupee scam during his tenure as Urban Affairs Minister, specifically regarding the procurement of super sucker machines for the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). He further alleged that contractors in the Irrigation Department were selected through corrupt practices, violating government norms.

However, Speaker Biswajit Daimary rejected the motion, stating that the day’s agenda was reserved for the Finance Bill discussion. While acknowledging the issue’s significance, he suggested that it could be raised under alternative parliamentary procedures.

Unwilling to back down, Saikia demanded an immediate House Committee investigation. Daimary responded that he would look into the request, but refused to make a commitment.

Frustrated with the Speaker’s stance, Congress MLAs stormed into the Well of the House, shouting slogans and holding placards. They were soon joined by AIUDF MLAs Hafiz Rafikul Islam and Ashraful Hussain, CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar, and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, all calling for a probe against Singhal.

As the situation escalated, Daimary adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

When the session resumed, the Opposition continued its agitation, forcing Deputy Speaker Numal Momin to adjourn proceedings again, this time for five minutes.

Upon reconvening for the third time, Congress MLAs were absent, but AIUDF members and Akhil Gogoi persisted, demanding clarity on whether a House Committee would be formed.

In response, Momin rebuked Gogoi, urging him to first study parliamentary rules before making demands. When Gogoi refused to back down, Momin suspended him from the House for 10 minutes, further escalating tensions.

The chaotic scenes reflect the deepening political friction in Assam, with the Opposition stepping up its attacks on the BJP-led government over alleged corruption, while the ruling party continues to deflect calls for an independent inquiry.