Congress MLAs stage walkout in Assam Assembly over Tezpur University unrest

Guwahati: Congress MLAs staged a walkout on the final day of the Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, protesting alleged irregularities at Tezpur University and accusing the ruling BJP of denying adequate time to discuss student-related issues.

Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia said the Congress had demanded a Zero Hour discussion on the growing unrest at Tezpur University, where a prolonged student agitation has forced a complete shutdown of academic activities. He alleged that the government allocated only one agenda item to the Opposition while giving two to the treasury bench.

Saikia further claimed that an “anti-Assam conspiracy” is unfolding inside the university. He alleged that the Vice-Chancellor was appointed under the influence of the RSS and accused him of misusing university funds, including inflated purchases of plastic tables and chairs.

Reiterating a long-pending demand, Saikia urged the government to expedite granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six indigenous communities. He reminded the House that the proposal was accepted in 1996 and insisted that Parliament approve it in the upcoming December session.

CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar also joined the walkout, alleging widespread corruption at Tezpur University. He said that if an RSS-backed person is serving as Vice-Chancellor, the RSS must take responsibility for the alleged mismanagement. Talukdar added that their protest would continue until the Vice-Chancellor is removed.

Meanwhile, the agitation at Tezpur University has intensified. Students have enforced a total lockdown of the campus and vowed to continue their protest until authorities address their demands.