Guwahati : The inaugural address of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday was disrupted by protests and a walkout by Opposition parties, even as he laid out the BJP-led NDA government’s agenda for its third consecutive term in office.

Minutes after the Governor began his speech on the second day of the Assembly session, legislators of the Indian National Congress and the Raijor Dal entered the Well of the House, raising slogans over inflation and rising prices. Congress MLAs displayed placards before staging a walkout in protest, accusing the government of failing to address pressing public concerns.

The two Raijor Dal legislators, led by MLA Akhil Gogoi, initially remained in the House and continued protesting during the Governor’s address. The party members later walked out after submitting a memorandum listing their demands.

In his speech, Governor Acharya said the people of Assam had renewed their faith in the BJP-led NDA government for a third straight term because of its focus on peace, economic stability and inclusive development.

“This mandate reflects the people’s endorsement of peace, economic stability and inclusive development pursued over the past ten years,” he said, adding that the government’s achievements in restoring peace across the state had been “substantial and historic”.

The Governor also echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity, urging citizens to exercise restraint in discretionary spending.

Highlighting the government’s legislative priorities, Acharya welcomed the proposed introduction of a Uniform Civil Code Bill during the ongoing Assembly session. He said the proposed law would promote social harmony, justice and gender equality while contributing to the creation of a progressive society.