Guwahati: Four-time MLA and BJP veteran Ranjeet Kumar Dass was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the newly constituted Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday. With this achievement, Dass became the first individual in the history of the Assam assembly to assume the position of Speaker for a second term.
Unanimous Election and Nominations
Three nominations were received in support of Dass, who represents the Bhowanipur-Sorbhog constituency in lower Assam, for the Speaker's post. The election was conducted unanimously, reflecting cross-party consensus.
Background and Political Journey
Dass, who has an RSS background, is a former leader of the All Assam Students' Union (Aasu), a former journalist, and a former Indian Information Service officer. He has also served as the state BJP president and held a cabinet minister position during Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's first tenure. Previously, he was the Speaker when the first BJP-led government was formed in Assam in 2016.
First Day of the 16th Assembly Session
On the opening day of the 16th Assam assembly session, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by MLAs from both ruling and opposition benches, escorted Dass to the Speaker's chair.
Chief Minister's Congratulatory Message
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Shri Ranjeet Kumar Dass on being unanimously elected as the 16th Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the temple of democracy. As a dedicated organiser, efficient administrator, journalist, and popular leader, he has made significant contributions to the public life of Assam over a long period,” CM Sarma said. He added that Dass, born into a commoner's family in the holy land of Barpeta, achieved this prestigious position through perseverance, ideals, and dedication. “Inspired by the ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since childhood, he later adopted service to the motherland as the main mantra of his life as a strong worker of BJP,” Sarma noted.
Sarma further stated that by becoming the first person to be elected twice as the Speaker of the Assam assembly, Dass has added a glorious chapter to history. “We are confident that his experience, deep political wisdom, and knowledge of parliamentary traditions will bring a new momentum to the functioning of the assembly,” he added. The Chief Minister expressed hope that Dass would treat all MLAs equally and provide fair opportunities for opposition MLAs to speak in the House.
Opposition's Expectations
Senior-most opposition MLA Wazed Ali Choudhury of the Congress party said they hope for an unbiased stance from Dass. “We know you very well. We saw your cooperation as minister earlier. I hope that as the Speaker you will give us opportunities in various procedures of the House,” he remarked.
Dass's Preference for Indigenous Terms
In his concluding remarks, Dass said he would prefer the words “sabhapati” or “adhyakhya” — meaning president or chairperson in English — over the British-influenced term “Speaker.” “Adhyakhya” is also the term used in Assamese to refer to the Speaker.
