Assam’s All India United Democratic Front legislators demanded a breach of privilege motion against Health Minister Ashok Singhal for his purported remarks against Bengali-speaking Muslims.

 The MLAs protested in the Assembly today, March 4 as they raised their demand.

 Speaker Biswajit Daimary had to adjourn the House for 20 minutes as the chaos continued.

AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam sought to move the breach of privilege motion at the end of the Question Hour.

The speaker said that the motion was disallowed as it does not meet the requirements.

 Islam said that it was a matter of grave concern for a minister to make remarks against an entire community.

He maintained that Singhal’s remarks, made recently at his constituency Dhekiajuli, indicated that Bengali-speaking Muslims, referred to as ‘Miyas’, would be deprived of benefits of government schemes.

 “He has made it publicly clear that he dislikes an entire community. He should be dismissed as a minister, and if he is to continue, he must apologise for his remarks,” Islam said.

 Daimary said that while he was sympathetic towards the sentiments of the community, X the breach of privilege motion cannot be allowed as per rules.

 As the AIUDF MLAs persisted on their demand for the motion and created noisy scenes in the House, the speaker adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes.

What is the role of Miyas in our festivals?: Assam minister’s remarks ignite controversy

Assam Minister Ashok Singhal has sparked controversy with his remarks targeting the Miya community during a public gathering.

 Addressing the audience, Singhal stated, “This time, we will not allow a Miya to set up a shop. We will give it to our boys. What is the role of a Miya in our festival? Our boys are not allowed during Eid.”

 His statement made while addressing a public gathering, has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters, with critics condemning it as discriminatory and inflammatory.

 The remarks have fueled a broader debate on communal harmony and inclusivity, particularly in the context of festivals and business opportunities.

 In response to the remarks, Assam’s All India United Democratic Front legislators on March 4 demanded a breach of privilege motion against Health Minister Ashok Singhal for his purported remarks against Bengali-speaking Muslims during the ongoing Assembly session.

 The MLAs protested in the Assembly today, raising their demand on the floor of the House.

 Speaker Biswajit Daimary had to adjourn the House for 20 minutes as the protest by AIUDF legislators grew louder.