Opposition disrupts Guv's speech in Budget Session

Guwahati, Feb 26 (UNI) The Budget Session of the Asom Assembly began today on a noisy start with the Opposition forcing the Governor to conclude his address in less than two minutes, alleging gross failure of the government on all fronts.

Governor Lt Gen. (retd) Ajai Singh dwelt on the 'resurgence' of the state, emphasising that Asom's financial recovery and success in bringing insurgent groups to dialogue was being recognised all over before he was shouted down by the combined Opposition.

The Opposition benches, led by Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), objected to his reference to improvement in the law and order situation and financial well being of the state. The BJP, AUDF and ASDC also joined in the protest and displayed banners against the government.

The noisy protests forced the Governor to conclude his speech almost immediately. It was taken as read. The Congress stoutly criticised the Opposition's disruption of the Governor's address.

State Education Minister Ripun Bora, along with Chief Whip Bharat Chandra Narah, later addressing a news conference, termed the opposition's role as a 'limelight hogging' exercise after being completely wiped out, especially after the successful hosting of the 33rd National Games.

''As they have lost relevance, they are trying to remind the people of Asom that they are still alive. After this, they have lost the moral right to take part in the debate over the Governor's address where they could have got a lot of opportunity to criticise the government,'' they added.

The Governor, in his speech, stated that the state has seen a 'dramatic turn around in the fortunes' in the past six years under the Congress-government.

''From a period of severe financial crises and unabated extremism, we are today in a situation where the financial recovery of Asom is being recognised nationally and extremist groups (are) showing a willingness for dialogue, he added.

''The resurgence of Asom is epitomized by the spectacular success of the 33rd National Games,'' he said.

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