Debabrata Saikia demands apology from CM Sarma for uttering 'undemocratic words'

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia has demanded a public apology from the Chief Minister for uttering 'undemocratic words'.

Saikia alleged that the CM had stated, "There is no work for the Opposition for five years. The ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) will be in Assam, so the Opposition MLAs have no business and everyone should leave the Opposition and join the ruling party."

In a statement issued here on Sunday, the Saikia underlined that the role of the Opposition is clearly stated in the Constitution and Congress has been playing the role of Constructive Opposition in the past wherever required.

"After getting 36 per cent of the votes at all-India level, it has been possible for the BJP to form a government at the Centre today with more than 300 MPs in Parliament. This is possible due to provisions of the Indian Constitution and the democratic system. The main role of the Opposition is to criticize the government constructively and to protest against any act of the government against the public interest, to protect the rights and freedom of the people and to express the views of the people to the government," Saikia stressed.

He also pointed out that the BJP and the Government of Assam have promised to control the flood by excavating the Brahmaputra sub-basin. It's been seven years since this promise was made, but nothing has been done, said Saikia.

"We are raising this issue in and out of the House. In the same way, the BJP mentioned in their vision document that it would implement the Assam Accord in letter and spirit. But even then CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) was introduced hurting the spirit of the Assam Accord, and we strongly protested," said the leader.

Further, raising the microfinance loan waiver issue, Saikia said, "In 2019, the issue of microfinance in Assam was raised in the Legislative Assembly and now the government is saying that it will not completely waive the debt of microfinance. This is despite the Chief Ministers repeated promise to the people of Assam that all loans would be waived in the Assembly. We demand that CM should keep his election promise as announced on the floor of the House."

On behalf of the Opposition, Saikia also demanded that no eviction drives are carried out without resettlement. "The present government wants to create such an environment, where no one will raise a finger against its misdeeds. This is possible if there is no Opposition to the ruling party. And we Congress will not allow it to happen," Saikia added.

Also Read: Debabrata Saikia slams govt for 'not keeping' poll promise to waive microfinance loans unconditionally