Guwahati, 22 May (HS): The second day of the first session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday began with the address of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya amid noisy protests by opposition members inside the House. Despite repeated sloganeering and disruptions, the Governor completed his full speech, outlining the state government’s vision focused on peace, stability, economic growth, protection of indigenous identity and long-term development.
Delivering the address under Article 176(1) of the Indian Constitution, the Governor stressed the government’s commitment towards economic transformation through data-driven planning, institutional reforms, employment generation and comprehensive development initiatives. He also spoke about measures to prevent illegal infiltration and preserve the linguistic, cultural, and social identity of the people of Assam.
Soon after the Governor began his speech, Congress legislators staged protests inside the Assembly demanding measures to control the rising prices of essential commodities. Holding placards, the opposition MLAs raised slogans against both the Centre and the state government, alleging failure to curb inflation. The protesting members moved towards the well of the House near the Speaker’s and Governor’s seats, creating a chaotic atmosphere inside the Assembly.
Even amid the disruptions, Governor Acharya continued reading his address without interruption. Following the speech, Congress legislators staged a walkout from the House. Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi also repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, alleging that the Governor’s address did not reflect the ground realities of the state.
In his speech, the Governor began by reciting a verse from the Rigveda and appealed to all sections to rise above political differences and work collectively for the welfare, peace and aspirations of the people of Assam. He stated that the clear public mandate received in the recently concluded elections reflected the people’s trust in democratic governance and endorsed the government’s focus on peace, economic stability and inclusive development.
Highlighting Assam’s economic performance, the Governor said the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) had registered an annual compounded growth rate of nearly 16% over the last five years. He added that Assam was steadily progressing towards the goal of becoming a ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028-29. According to the address, per capita income in the state has more than doubled, while capital expenditure in 2025-26 has also doubled compared to 2020-21.
The Governor further asserted that the government would continue taking stringent steps to secure international borders and prevent illegal infiltration while simultaneously strengthening social harmony and the greater Assamese society based on equality and shared civilisational values. Inspired by the ideals of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, the government would continue safeguarding the linguistic, cultural and social identity of Assam’s people, besides protecting the rights, traditions, land and heritage of indigenous and tribal communities, he added. Governor concluded his speech with Lakshmi Nath Bezbarua's poetry and Vivekananda's slogans.----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
