Opposition walks out over ST status in Assam

Guwahati, July 14: The long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six indigenous communities of Assam dominated proceedings in the Assembly on Tuesday, with the Opposition staging a walkout and accusing the BJP-led government of failing to fulfil a key poll promise despite being in power for nearly a decade.

The walkout took place during the ongoing Budget Session after Opposition legislators expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response on granting ST status to the Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi and Adivasi (Tea Tribes) communities.

“The matter was discussed in the House, but we did not get any reply on when the six communities will be granted ST status. The minister’s response lacked clarity. That is why we have walked out of the House,” Leader of the Opposition Wazed Ali Choudhury said.
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the BJP had failed to honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 election promise of granting ST status to the six communities within six months of coming to power.

“Nearly 11 years have passed, but nothing has happened,” Gogoi said. Referring to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill introduced in Parliament in 2019, he questioned why it had not been implemented.

“Today, we asked the government whether it will grant ST status to the six communities, but we received no clear assurance. That is why we walked out,” he added.

The six communities—Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasi)—have long been demanding ST status, arguing that constitutional recognition is essential to protect their political, social and cultural identity.

The demand also found support from within the ruling BJP. Raha MLA Sashi Kanta Das said he backed the demand and expressed confidence that the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma would fulfil its commitment.