GUWAHATI: Former Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has written to Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass, urging him to uphold the impartiality of the Speaker's office and protect the parliamentary traditions of the House.
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In his letter, Saikia expressed concern over parliamentary conduct, the neutrality of the Speaker's office and the government's accountability during Assembly proceedings.
Referring to media reports published on July 14, Saikia noted that the Speaker had reportedly attended a BJP Core Committee meeting at the party's Basistha office on July 13. While acknowledging that participation in public programmes alongside national leaders may be understandable, he argued that attending an internal party meeting while holding a constitutional office expected to remain politically neutral amounted to a serious departure from established parliamentary conventions.
Saikia said such a precedent was particularly regrettable given the 89-year legacy of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which was established in 1937.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over what he described as disorderly conduct inside the House. He alleged that during Question Hour and Zero Hour, some ministers had resorted to counter-questioning, attacking or threatening opposition MLAs instead of directly answering questions.
Citing specific instances, Saikia alleged that Minister Pijush Hazarika, while replying on behalf of the Information and Public Relations Department, asked opposition members what action they wanted the government to take. He also referred to a discussion on alleged tax evasion during which the Finance Minister reportedly asked the opposition whether it wanted an investigation into the matter.
According to Saikia, such responses are inconsistent with the principles of parliamentary democracy. Referring to Article 164(3) of the Constitution, he said ministers swear an oath to discharge their duties without fear, favour, affection or ill-will, and that decisions on investigations and law enforcement are constitutional responsibilities of the government—not matters to be determined by the opposition's wishes.
He warned that televised Assembly proceedings showing ministers evading responsibility or using disparaging language, coupled with questions over the Speaker's neutrality, could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly among younger citizens.
Saikia urged the Speaker to review the proceedings of the ongoing Assembly session and issue appropriate directions in accordance with parliamentary principles.
He also requested the Speaker to remind ministers that government decisions must be guided by the Constitution, laws and established rules, in keeping with their oath of office, rather than creating the impression that responsibility rests with the opposition.
Further, Saikia called for strict instructions to ensure that neither the ruling party nor the opposition creates an atmosphere of fear, political pressure, sarcasm or intimidation inside the Assembly.
Emphasising the need to preserve the dignity of the House, Saikia urged the Speaker to uphold the long-standing convention of strict impartiality associated with the office. He also suggested convening an all-party meeting, if necessary, to build consensus on parliamentary conduct, decorum, constitutional accountability and the dignity of the Assam Legislative Assembly.