Guwahati: The Assam assembly witnessed heated scenes on Tuesday as legislators of the opposition All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) protested against Health Minister Ashok Singhal’s alleged remarks targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims.
During the session, AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam sought to move a breach of privilege motion against the minister at the end of the Question Hour.
Islam alleged that Singhal’s recent comments in Dhekiajuli constituency implied that Bengali-speaking Muslims, often referred to as ‘Miyas,’ would be excluded from government welfare schemes.
“It’s deeply concerning that a minister would publicly express prejudice against an entire community. Such remarks are unacceptable. He should either apologise or be dismissed from his position,” Islam said.
Speaker Biswajit Daimary, however, disallowed the motion, stating that it did not meet the necessary criteria as per assembly rules.
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While expressing sympathy for the sentiments of the affected community, he maintained that the breach of privilege motion could not proceed.
The AIUDF legislators, dissatisfied with the decision, disrupted proceedings, leading to noisy scenes in the House.
Amid the uproar, the speaker adjourned the session for 20 minutes.
The issue has sparked a wider debate, with demands for accountability and a clearer stance from the government on communal harmony.
