LIVE UPDATES | Assam Tables Landmark Anti-Polygamy Bill in Winter Session

The Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:30 AM and is scheduled to continue for five days, with the Speaker empowered to extend it by one or two days if required.

Lawmakers are bracing for an intense session packed with legislative business, as the government plans to introduce or move forward on nearly 27 Bills. Ten Bills have already been formally circulated among members, including four new ones ready for introduction.

The spotlight will be on The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which is listed for introduction on the very first day, marking a major step toward fulfilling a long-standing electoral promise of the ruling BJP.

Raijor Dal president and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, on the first day, launched a sit-in demonstration within the Assam Legislative Assembly complex, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state government of deliberately delaying the investigation into the mysterious death of singer-actor Zubeen Garg.

Gogoi, flanked by party workers, began the protest hours before the start of the five-day Winter Session. He vowed to continue the agitation until the government provides a clear timeline and transparent updates on the probe.

“The people of Assam are in deep grief and anger. The government cannot brush this under the carpet while pushing its legislative agenda,” Gogoi said, demanding that the Zubeen Garg case be the first item discussed when the House assembles tomorrow.

Akhil Gogoi demanded a CBI investigation into the death of Zubeen Garg, alleging lapses in the investigation being carried out by the state police. He also accused CM Sarma of being vindictive towards Zubeen Garg and demanded his resignation from the home portfolio.

Nov 25, 2025 22:15 IST
Assam’s Fee Regulation Bill Sparks Tension With Christian Community
The Assam Christian Forums (ACF) on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the Assam Cabinet’s approval of the Assam Private Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Amendment Bill, 2025, warning that the legislation could erode constitutional protections granted to minority-run institutions.
The Bill, which the government tabled in the Assembly today, seeks to empower the state to regulate fee structures and monitor the financial operations of private educational institutions. Minority-run schools, previously exempt from such oversight, would also fall under this regulatory framework if the amendment is passed. Read More



Nov 25, 2025 18:24 IST
Congress Chief Alleges Conspiracy, Says Assam Govt Misleading Public on Zubeen Garg Probe
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday raised serious questions over the alleged “mastermind” behind the murder of singer Zubeen Garg, claiming that the person who orchestrated the killing is yet to be identified publicly.
His remarks came a day after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a statement on the case in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to media at Biswanath Chariali, Gogoi said, 
“The names of those involved were mentioned in the Assembly, but who directed them? The real mastermind is still unknown. The people of Assam’s villages do not believe Zubeen Garg will get justice.” Gogoi alleged that the Chief Minister is deliberately using various strategies to mislead the public on the matter. Read More



Nov 25, 2025 18:04 IST
Assam Govt Introduces Polygamy Prohibition Bill; Offenders May Face Up to 10 Years in Jail
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday saw the introduction of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, a significant move by the state government to outlaw polygamous marriages. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the bill after receiving clearance from Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary on the opening day of the Winter Session.
The bill was tabled in the absence of Opposition members, including legislators from the Congress, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal, who had walked out earlier during discussions surrounding the death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg.
Strict penalties proposed for offenders
The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize entering into a second marriage without formally ending the first. Under the bill, individuals found guilty of contracting a second marriage while still legally bound to their first spouse may face a minimum sentence of seven years in prison in addition to financial penalties.
Stricter punishment—up to ten years of imprisonment and fines—has been recommended for individuals who deliberately hide the existence of a prior marriage in order to enter into another.
Action against facilitators of polygamous marriages
The bill goes beyond direct offenders, proposing penalties for community members who enable or endorse such unions. This includes village heads, guardians, customary leaders, and religious authorities such as priests and qazis who perform or approve the marriages.
Religious officials who conduct or solemnize polygamous ceremonies could face imprisonment of up to two years, along with fines amounting to several lakh rupees.
A landmark push for legal uniformity
The state government has projected the bill as a step towards ensuring uniform legal protections across communities and promoting women's rights. If passed, the legislation will introduce some of the most stringent anti-polygamy provisions enacted by any Indian state to date.



Nov 25, 2025 17:58 IST
Govt Submits Mehta Commission Report, Sidesteps Fresh Tabling of Tiwari Report
The Assam government on Tuesday tabled the Mehta Commission report in the State Assembly but stopped short of placing the Tiwari Commission report on the 1983 Nellie massacre for fresh submission, triggering questions from the Opposition.
The issue came to the fore during the adjournment motion discussion related to the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg. Shortly after delivering his remarks on the matter, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the Mehta Commission report before the House. Read More



Nov 25, 2025 17:28 IST
Assam’s Debt Rises to ₹25,294 Crore in 2024–25; Interest Payment Touches ₹9,467 Crore, Govt Reveals in Assembly
The Assam Government on Tuesday tabled detailed financial and employment data in the Legislative Assembly, showing a significant rise in the state’s debt burden and annual interest payments over the last three financial years. The information was provided in response to questions raised by Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi.
According to the figures presented, Assam’s total outstanding debt continues to climb each year:
• ₹21,602.02 crore in 2022–23

• ₹24,117.52 crore in 2023–24

• ₹25,294.23 crore in 2024–25
The state’s interest expenditure has also sharply increased during the period:
• ₹6,874.97 crore in 2022–23

• ₹8,139.17 crore in 2023–24

• ₹9,467.75 crore in 2024–25
The government clarified that the figures represent only the interest paid in each financial year, not the principal loan amount.
Over 2 Lakh Government Jobs Since 2016, Says State Government
Meanwhile, in response to MLA Akhil Gogoi’s question on employment, the government informed the House that a total of 2,04,437 people have been given government jobs in Assam since 2016.
The latest unemployment data presented in the Assembly shows:
• Total registered unemployed youths: 22,30,988

• Educated unemployed youths: 22,26,894
On the government’s flagship promise of providing one lakh jobs, the state reported that 1,34,591 appointments have been made so far.



Nov 25, 2025 16:41 IST
‘Not an Inch of Land Will Be Given’: Akhil Gogoi Warns Minister Singhal
Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi on Tuesday levelled serious allegations against Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal, claiming that Singhal has been attempting to acquire land near Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur.
Speaking to the media, Gogoi said that government officials themselves informed him about the alleged land dealings, adding that officials had admitted to feeling “helpless” in stopping the move.
Issuing a stern public warning to the minister, Gogoi said:
“Let Ashok Singhal listen clearly — he will not get even an inch of land near Zubeen Kshetra. He cannot cheat the Assamese and grab land. I have proof of how much land he has bought in others’ names, and I will reveal everything.”
He added that if required, “Ashok Singhal will be driven out” to prevent any illegal land acquisition around Zubeen Garg’s memorial site.
Inside the Assembly, Akhil Gogoi said that the Speaker accepted his first-ever adjournment motion, allowing him to raise urgent concerns. He launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging that the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s death was being intentionally weakened.
“The government is trying to turn the investigation into a meaningless exercise,” he claimed.
Gogoi also questioned whether BJP leaders Pabitra Margherita and Shyamkanu Kalita’s wife would be arrested in connection with the case, stating that the issues have now been formally recorded in the Assembly proceedings.
He further stated that the Opposition moved a proposal in the Assembly demanding that Zubeen Garg be conferred the Bharat Ratna, and that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also supported the proposal.
Criticising the Chief Minister’s conduct in the House, Gogoi remarked that the CM “remains agitated continuously.”
The remarks have intensified the political storm surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death, with allegations, counter-allegations, and demands for a transparent investigation dominating the winter session.



Nov 25, 2025 16:33 IST
Proposal to Recommend Bharat Ratna for Zubeen Garg Accepted in Assam Assembly
Speaking to the media outside the Assam Legislative Assembly, MLA Akhil Gogoi made a series of strong remarks after a proposal was raised inside the House to recommend the Bharat Ratna for celebrated singer Zubeen Garg.
Gogoi said that the Chief Minister accepted the proposal moved in the Assembly seeking that Zubeen Garg be conferred the country’s highest civilian award.
He further stated that the Assembly will now send a unanimous resolution to the Central Government requesting the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on the iconic Assamese artist.
Akhil Gogoi also claimed that the Chief Minister was visibly agitated inside the House during the discussion.
Taking a sharp dig at the ruling government, Gogoi told reporters, “Today, the true face of the Chief Minister and the BJP government has been exposed.”



Nov 25, 2025 16:28 IST
Two MLAs Suspended for the Remaining Days of Assam Assembly’s Winter Session
The Assam Legislative Assembly has suspended two MLAs — Sherman Ali Ahmed and Nurul Huda — for the remaining days of the winter session.
The decision came after the Committee of Privileges submitted its report, finding both legislators guilty of breaching parliamentary privilege and violating House rules.
According to the report, Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin alleged that Nurul Huda misbehaved with him, which led to a recommendation for strict disciplinary action.
Sherman Ali Ahmed has also been accused of repeatedly disrupting proceedings and violating the decorum of the House, resulting in his suspension for the rest of the session.
Both MLAs have been barred from participating in any Assembly-related activities inside or outside the House until the session concludes.



Nov 25, 2025 13:50 IST
Assam Assembly Winter Session Begins with Stormy Debate Over Zubeen Garg’s Death
The Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly got off to a turbulent start on Tuesday as Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia moved an Adjournment Motion seeking an urgent discussion on the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, accusing the state government of “criminal silence” and serious lapses in ensuring his safety.
Describing Zubeen Garg as “Assam’s irreplaceable cultural ambassador,” Saikia demanded to know why a celebrity of his stature was allowed to travel to Singapore without dedicated security, especially when he was representing the Northeast at an official event backed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Congress leader questioned the “unexplained delay and mismanagement” in repatriating Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains from Singapore to Guwahati, asking who was accountable for the handling of such a sensitive matter at a time when the entire state was in mourning.



Nov 25, 2025 13:15 IST
Akhil Gogoi Suspended from Assam Assembly on Day 1
Raijor Dal MLA and prominent activist Akhil Gogoi was suspended from the Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, the very first day of the Winter Session, after he insisted on an immediate discussion on the murder of singer-actor Zubeen Garg.
Gogoi, who had been staging a protest inside the Assembly premises since Monday over the “slow” investigation into Zubeen’s death, repeatedly disrupted proceedings by raising slogans and demanding that the House suspend all other business until the Chief Minister gives a detailed statement on the Singapore murder case.
When Speaker Biswajit Daimary asked him to resume his seat and follow procedure, Gogoi reportedly continued shouting and refused to relent, prompting the Speaker to order his suspension for the remainder of the day.
The suspension triggered strong protests from other Opposition members, who accused the ruling BJP of trying to “silence the voice of the people” on the Zubeen Garg issue.