Assam's Opposition Leader Addresses Concerns Over Eviction Issues
Clarification on Internal Party Dynamics
File image of Assam LoP Wazed Ali Choudhury (Right) with former Congress LoP Debabrata Saikia. (Photo: Wazed Ali Choudhury/Meta)
Guwahati, July 18: Wazed Ali Choudhury, the Leader of the Opposition in Assam, has dismissed rumors of unrest within the Congress Legislature Party. He emphasized that a recent letter from former LoP Debabrata Saikia merely contained suggestions regarding the need to address eviction and land rights issues in the Assembly.
This statement comes in light of political speculation suggesting that Saikia's correspondence indicated dissatisfaction with Choudhury's leadership and the overall performance of the Opposition in the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly.
During a press conference, Choudhury clarified that the letter's contents had been misconstrued.
"The communication from the former LoP does not imply any discontent with my position. It simply recommends that we highlight concerns about eviction drives and advocate for the establishment of an all-party committee to investigate these matters," he stated.
Choudhury attributed the controversy to media misinterpretations, asserting that the letter was focused solely on how the Congress should tackle eviction-related issues in the Assembly.
"The media has created unnecessary debates and allegations. The letter is clear and contains suggestions regarding the eviction situation in the state," he added.
He firmly rejected any claims of discord within the Congress Legislature Party, stating that he had not received any signals of dissatisfaction from party members regarding his leadership.
"I have not sensed any discontent regarding my role as LoP. Unlike Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, I do not interrupt the House at every opportunity. His approach to raising issues is not in line with parliamentary norms," Choudhury remarked.
He also revealed that he had already initiated discussions on eviction issues in the Assembly prior to receiving Saikia's letter.
"I had submitted a notice under Rule 115 to discuss eviction-related matters before Debabrata Saikia sent me this letter," he explained.
In his letter dated July 14, Saikia urged Choudhury to advocate for the formation of an "All-Party Special Committee of the Legislative Assembly" to investigate eviction drives across Assam, including areas such as Kaziranga, Dhalpur, Kachutoli, and others.
Saikia highlighted that these evictions raised significant concerns regarding land rights, rehabilitation, and the treatment of displaced families.
"Why should the impoverished and indigenous populations bear the brunt of Assam's development, tourism initiatives, or commercial investments?" Saikia questioned.
He pointed out that recent developments around Kaziranga had led to the displacement of nearly 45 Adivasi and indigenous families to make way for a luxury hotel project. He also alleged that social activists Aditya Rabha and Pranab Doley were arrested for peacefully protesting against the evictions.
Furthermore, the letter called for a review of Mission Basundhara applications, increased transparency in land settlement data, and essential humanitarian safeguards during eviction drives, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
Saikia's letter has attracted political attention amid ongoing discussions about the Congress's effectiveness in the Assembly under Choudhury's leadership, following his appointment as LoP after the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.