Guwahati, 06 July (HS): The opening day of the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed a heated exchange between Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika and Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi during Question Hour.

The confrontation erupted when Akhil Gogoi sought clarifications on police procedures related to the registration of General Diary (GD) entries and FIRs. While replying on behalf of the Chief Minister, Minister Pijush Hazarika and the opposition MLA engaged in a sharp war of words, prompting Assembly Speaker Ranjit Kumar Das to intervene and restore order in the House.

During the debate, both leaders exchanged personal remarks. Hazarika alleged that Akhil Gogoi had provided incorrect information in his election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission and warned that the government would move the court over the matter. Responding to Gogoi's query, the minister also claimed that 32 criminal cases are currently registered against the MLA in different police stations across Assam.

Refuting the minister's claim, Akhil Gogoi asserted that a total of 165 cases had been registered against him over the years, adding that he had already been acquitted in around 50 of them. Hazarika countered by stating that Gogoi's election affidavit mentioned only 21 cases and accused him of making false statements.

Following the Assembly proceedings, Akhil Gogoi told reporters outside the House that he had cornered the minister during the debate. Meanwhile, Hazarika took a swipe at the opposition MLA, sarcastically referring to him as an all-knowing person, as the political sparring continued beyond the Assembly premises.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash