Guwahati, Mar 21: The Assam Legislative Assembly descended into chaos during the budget session as ruling party MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi created an uproar, aggressively confronting Opposition leaders and issuing verbal threats on the House floor. The disruption reached a boiling point, prompting Opposition members to demand his immediate expulsion.
The heated exchange occurred during discussions on a cut motion related to the Public Works Department’s (Roads) budget for 2025-26. While Kurmi was speaking, Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi raised concerns about the dilapidated condition of Dhodar Ali, a historically significant road in Assam.
This remark triggered an enraged response from Kurmi, who threatened to break Gogoi’s microphone. “Don’t speak while I am speaking, otherwise I will come and break the mike,” Kurmi lashed out.
Kurmi then turned his ire toward suspended Congress MLA Sherman Ali and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, leading to a heated war of words. When Sherman Ali pushed back, questioning Kurmi’s authority, tensions escalated further.
Saikia also took exception to Kurmi’s threats, demanding an explanation for his unruly behaviour. With the situation spiralling out of control, Deputy Speaker Numal Momin attempted to intervene, urging members to uphold decorum and expunging unparliamentary remarks from the record.
However, Kurmi remained defiant, reportedly asking Opposition members, “Are you fatuas?” As the uproar intensified, Saikia raised concerns about members’ safety, questioning whether they needed personal security officers (PSOs) to attend Assembly sessions.
Infuriated by the lack of immediate action against Kurmi, Opposition MLAs staged a walkout, accusing the Deputy Speaker of failing to maintain order. In response to the commotion, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes. When the session resumed, Kurmi apologized before the House, admitting his mistake, after which he was allowed to complete his speech.
The incident underscores the growing tensions and hostility in Assam’s political landscape, where fiery debates are increasingly turning into verbal showdowns and near-physical confrontations, raising concerns about parliamentary discipline and decorum.
