Bodo Community Outraged Over Removal of Language Nameplate from Assam Assembly

The removal of the Bodo-language nameplate from the Assam Legislative Assembly has ignited outrage among the Bodo community, with leaders asserting that this act undermines their cultural identity. The All Bodo Students’ Union has condemned the decision, emphasizing the importance of the Bodo language and its recognition as an associate official language. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reassured the public of the government's commitment to promoting the Bodo language, dismissing rumors of its removal from official proceedings. This incident has reignited discussions about the rights and recognition of the Bodo community in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 16:07 IST

Bodo Language Nameplate Controversy

File image of Assam Legislative Assembly (Photo: @AssamAssembly/X)

Kokrajhar, October 16: The recent removal of the Bodo-language nameplate from the Assam Legislative Assembly has sparked significant backlash from the Bodo community. The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has condemned this action, labeling it a disrespect to their cultural identity and dignity.

ABSU Central President Khaoromdao Wary voiced his strong discontent regarding the removal, emphasizing that the acknowledgment of the Bodo language was the result of years of struggle. He described the incident as a form of symbolic exclusion.

Wary noted that a nameplate featuring 'Assam Assembly Building' in Bodo was originally placed when the Assembly was established, but it has now been taken down.

“Bodo is a significant Indian language, and the Bodo people have fought tirelessly for its recognition and dignity. The removal of the nameplate is a symbolic act of exclusion and an affront to our community. Following the BTR Accord, amendments to the Assam Official Language Act, 1960, recognized Bodo as an associate official language. This recognition is a result of our struggle and cannot be dismissed lightly. This act threatens the political and cultural identity of the Bodo community, and we will not stay silent,” Wary stated.

This controversy has reignited discussions about the recognition and status of the Bodo language in Assam. ABSU leaders argue that the matter extends beyond just a nameplate; it involves the enforcement of constitutional and legal protections for their community.

Bodo is recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and was designated as an associate official language of the Assam Legislative Assembly through the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Act, 2020.

On July 5, amidst rumors regarding the potential removal of Bodo from official Assembly proceedings, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reassured the public of the government's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the language. He dismissed any speculation about withdrawing Bodo from official Assembly activities.

Sarma shared on a microblogging platform that he had been informed by the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly that there were no plans to discontinue the use of Bodo in Assembly proceedings or other official matters.

“I have been assured by the Hon’ble Speaker that there is no intention to withdraw the Bodo language from Assembly proceedings or any official business. The Bodo language is an integral part of Assam’s rich cultural heritage and identity, embodying the history, traditions, and aspirations of the Bodo community, thus enriching the diverse fabric of our state,” Sarma remarked.

“The Government of Assam is fully dedicated to preserving and promoting the Bodo language. We will continue to strive to support its growth and ensure its flourishing for future generations,” he added.