Guwahati

Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Friday outlined the vision of the newly elected government for the next five years in his maiden address to the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly, even as opposition members staged a walkout alleging that the government had failed to address key public concerns.

Barely five minutes into the Governor’s speech on the second day of the Assembly session, MLAs of the Indian National Congress and Raijor Dal entered the Well of the House.

The opposition legislators demanded that the government focus on issues such as inflation instead of highlighting its achievements.

Congress MLAs displayed placards and raised slogans before walking out of the House.

The two Raijor Dal legislators, led by Akhil Gogoi, initially remained in the Assembly and continued speaking while the Governor delivered his address.

After around 30 minutes, the Raijor Dal MLAs also staged a walkout after submitting a written note containing the issues raised by them.

In his address, Acharya said the return of the BJP-led NDA government for a third consecutive term reflected public support for the ruling alliance’s vision and governance model.

“This mandate reflects the people's endorsement of peace, economic stability and inclusive development pursued over the past ten years. The achievements in restoring peace have been substantial and historic,” he said.

The Governor also appealed to citizens to practise restraint in discretionary spending in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for austerity measures.

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Acharya further welcomed the state government’s decision to introduce a proposed law on the Uniform Civil Code during the current Assembly session, saying it would promote social harmony, justice, gender equality and a progressive society.