Guwahati, August 23, 2024— The Assam Legislative Assembly was marked by tension and protest today as members of the Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) staged two separate walkouts. The protests were in response to the introduction of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill and the Assam (Temporarily Settled Areas) Tenancy (Amendment) Bill, which opposition parties argue violate constitutional rights.
The controversial bills aim to impose restrictions on land sales between different communities, a move that has sparked significant debate. The Congress and AIUDF members voiced strong objections, arguing that these amendments infringe upon the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to buy and sell property freely. The opposition leaders criticized the bills for being divisive and potentially harmful to social harmony.
During the session, AIUDF members rushed to the well of the Assembly, vocally opposing the introduction of the bills. In response, the Speaker urged them to raise their concerns during the debate phase, but this did not quell the unrest. Both parties eventually walked out in protest, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's approach to these sensitive issues.
The walkouts underscore the deep political divisions in Assam over land rights and the broader implications of these legislative changes. The government's push for these amendments has been met with resistance, and the debate is expected to continue as the bills move forward in the legislative process.