Guwahati, 16 May (HS): In a significant political development for the Congress in Assam, the party is set to secure the status of Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly following an amendment to the existing rules governing the post.

As per the revised provision, any political party having at least 13 MLAs in the Assembly will now be eligible to claim the post of Leader of Opposition. Earlier the number was 21. The change has opened the door for the Congress, which currently has 19 legislators in the House, to officially occupy the position.

The development is being viewed as a morale booster for the opposition party ahead of future political battles in the state. Political circles are now abuzz with speculation over who will be chosen as the new Leader of Opposition from the Congress Legislature Party.

Of the party’s 19 MLAs, 18 belong to Muslim communities while one is a Hindu legislator, making the leadership selection politically sensitive as well as strategically important for the party’s future positioning in Assam politics.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash