Guwahati witnessed tense moments in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday as Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, leader of Raijor Dal, was suspended for the remainder of the day's proceedings. The dramatic decision followed a heated confrontation with Speaker Ranjit Kumar Dass over Gogoi's persistent demand for an urgent discussion on the devastating flood situation gripping Upper Assam.
The incident unfolded during the ongoing Budget Session when Gogoi sought to invoke Rule 56 of the Assembly Rules, aiming to suspend regular business to address the critical flood crisis impacting districts like Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Jorhat. Tensions escalated as the Speaker interjected, stating that Gogoi had exceeded his allotted speaking time. The exchange reportedly saw Speaker Dass refer to the legislator as a “traitor,” asserting that Gogoi had spoken for two minutes and 44 seconds, surpassing the stipulated two minutes and disregarding the Chair's directions.
Citing “disorderly conduct,” the subsequent uproar in the House, and a “breach of the trust reposed in the member by the Chair,” Speaker Dass deemed Gogoi's suspension warranted. As protests intensified within the legislative chamber, the Speaker ultimately ordered the temporary suspension of the Raijor Dal chief for the remainder of the day's business.
The episode, occurring on the tenth day of the Budget Session, underscores the growing concern among legislators regarding the severe impact of floods in the state, often a contentious and urgent issue during Assembly proceedings.
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