Assam: No sight of assembly's winter session, minister say opposition MLAs can come to their houses and ask questions

There is no sight as to when the winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly would take place. However, at a time when questions are being raised as to when the winter session would be held, Assam cabinet minister Jayanta Malla Barua has made a bizarre comment that MLAs can come to their houses and ask them questions. 

Speaking to the media, Jayanta Malla Baruah, in a jestful mood, said that they are always ready to answer questions and the MLAs can even call them on phone and also come over to their houses for the same. 

"What are their questions? What will they ask us? They can ask us, we are always available. They can ask us anywhere. They can ask us through you. They can phone us and ask us. They can come to our houses and ask us. What is the issue? We are ready to answer, we are ready to work," said Malla Baruah. 

The Assam cabinet minister further said that there is a likelihood that the winter session may not be held at all as there is likelihood that a Budget Session may be held in the month of February ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year. 

"Next year we have the Lok Sabha elections. So we will have to hold the budget session or some similiar arrangements. Since we will be holding a session in February, this is the time for everyone to work and make preparations. Those in opposition who raise questions, also raise their issues in meetings. Everyone is aware of the plus and minus points of holding a session for one week. Since we have to hold the budget session in February as there will be code of conduct in March, hence it is happening this time. And such things sometimes happen," said Malla Baruah. 

Questions are being raised over the delay in holding the winter session of the Assam legislative assembly. Opposition MLAs, especially Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia had said that the session must be held to discuss various issues.  

Congress leader and LoP Debabrata Saikia had earlier raised concerns about the delayed release of the notification for the annual winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. In a letter written to Assam Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Saikia highlighted the absence of the customary notification from the Governor's Secretariat, a crucial step in scheduling the winter session. Saikia points out that a proposal from the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly to set the date for the session has been submitted to the government, but the official announcement is pending.

Sources reveal that the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat proposed holding this year's winter session in Kokrajhar. However, due to disagreements between the government and the Legislative Assembly, the Governor's announcement has been delayed. Saikia had suggested that if technical difficulties in Kokrajhar pose challenges, the government could consider hosting the session in Dispur stating the importance of promptly finalizing the session date.