GUWAHATI: The long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six indigenous communities of Assam dominated proceedings in the Assembly on Tuesday, July 14, with the Opposition staging a walkout and accusing the BJP-led government of failing to fulfil a key poll promise despite being in power for nearly a decade.
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The walkout took place during the ongoing Budget Session after Opposition legislators expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response on granting ST status to the Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi and Adivasi (Tea Tribes) communities.
The matter dominated proceedings during the seventh day of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly Budget Session after Leader of the Opposition Wajed Ali Choudhury raised it during the Special Mention Hour under Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass.
“The matter was discussed in the House, but we did not get any reply on when the six communities will be granted ST status. The minister’s response lacked clarity. That is why we have walked out of the House,” Leader of the Opposition Wazed Ali Choudhury said.
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the BJP had failed to honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 election promise of granting ST status to the six communities within six months of coming to power.
Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi also criticised the BJP-led government, alleging that it had no intention of extending tribal status to the six communities.
"Today's Assembly proceedings have made it clear that the BJP-led government will not grant ST status to the six communities, or to the Kalita and Nath-Yogi communities. We demand that the Centre immediately fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance on granting tribal status," Gogoi said.
With the government reiterating that the revised proposal would be sent to the Centre, the Opposition maintained that the response failed to provide a clear timeline for granting ST status.
The six communities- Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasi)- have long been demanding ST status, arguing that constitutional recognition is essential to protect their political, social and cultural identity.
The demand also found support from within the ruling BJP. Raha MLA Sashi Kanta Das said he backed the demand and expressed confidence that the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma would fulfil its commitment.