Guwahati, 21 May (HS): The session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly is set to commence on Thursday, with the election for the post of Speaker scheduled to be held on the opening day of the House. The session is also expected to witness intense political confrontation as the state government prepares to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly.

The proposed UCC legislation is likely to trigger strong opposition from Muslim legislators in the House. Of the 22 opposition MLAs in the Assembly, 20 belong to the Muslim community and they are expected to oppose the bill during the session proceedings.

Earlier on Wednesday, the NDA delegation submitted the nomination papers of MLA Ranjit Das for the Speaker’s post. Ministers Atul Bora and Chandramohan Patowary, along with MLAs Pijush Hazarika, Keshab Mahanta and Manab Deka, jointly filed the nomination in support of Das.

Earlier, senior BJP leader Chandramohan Patowary was sworn in as the Protem Speaker before the Governor. Under his leadership, the initial proceedings of the Assembly and the election process for the Speaker will be conducted on Thursday.

Meanwhile, political discussions have also intensified over the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. For the first time since Independence, there is speculation that a leader from the “Miya” community could be chosen for the post. Wajed Ali Choudhury is being considered a strong contender for the position.

The developments are expected to further sharpen political exchanges between the ruling alliance and the opposition during the Assembly session.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash