"Democracy allows everyone the right to protest," says Assam minister on Keshab Mahanta's daughter

Assam Minister Biswajit Daimary on Monday July 26, responding to a question on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's remarks regarding the participation of Cabinet Minister Keshab Mahanta's daughter in a student protest, said every citizen has the freedom to express their views in a democratic country.

"We live in a democratic nation. People have the right to do as they wish," he said.

Speaking on the current Assam flood situation, Daimary described the ongoing flood situation in the state as "terrible", attributing the crisis to unprecedented rainfall and heavy runoff from the hills of neighbouring Nagaland.

Speaking on the flood situation, Daimary said the sudden surge in water levels left thousands of people with little time to seek safety.

"It is a terrible situation. It happened because of external factors. The volume of water was unprecedented, leaving people with nowhere to turn for shelter. It was a sudden event caused by heavy rainfall and the runoff from the hills of Nagaland," he said.

On the Centre's decision to constitute a High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms, the minister said comprehensive reforms have become necessary in view of repeated incidents of question paper leaks.

"This has become essential. Paper leaks keep happening, so we need to figure out how to stop them. That is why reforms are necessary," he said.

Daimary also welcomed the proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, saying a legal framework is necessary to effectively address examination-related malpractices.

"This is a very good move because, through legislation, we can establish a proper system to handle this. Without a law, taking action becomes difficult. Under this law, those found guilty will face consequences, and provisions will be made to ensure the security of exam papers," he said.