The five-day Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which began on Tuesday, November 25, is set to conclude today. This session has been one of the busiest in recent months, with several important items listed, a number of Bills lined up, and political tensions rising both inside and outside the House. As the last day begins, members, officials, and observers are watching closely to understand what may come up for discussion and what may not.
The official schedule for Saturday lists three broad items: Questions, Consideration and Passing of Government Bills, and Other Government Business, if any.
The Winter Session began at 9:30 AM on November 25 and was scheduled for five days, although the Speaker has the power to extend it by one or two days if required. So far, there has been no indication that an extension will take place, but the final decision depends on the remaining workload and the mood of the House.
This year’s session has been heavy with legislative responsibilities. The government had planned to push forward nearly 27 Bills during the session. Out of these, 10 Bills were already circulated among members, and four new Bills were ready for introduction at the very start. The government has been trying hard to move ahead with its law-making agenda, and ministers have repeatedly said that the session is important for clearing pending items.
One of the key areas of focus throughout the session has been The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. The Bill was listed for introduction on Day 1 and is seen as a major step toward fulfilling a long-promised commitment made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Bill has drawn attention both inside the House and across the state, as it deals with a socially sensitive and politically charged issue. Many legislators expect that discussions related to this Bill could surface again today, although it is still uncertain whether the House will be able to take it up in detail before the session ends.
Alongside legislative business, the House has also seen political protests and charged emotions. On the first day of the session, Raijor Dal president and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi staged a sit-in demonstration inside the Assembly complex. His protest was focused on the mysterious death of singer-actor Zubeen Garg, an issue that has stirred emotions among many people in Assam.
Gogoi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state government of “deliberately delaying” the investigation into the case. He began the protest hours before the session opened, accompanied by party workers and supporters. Gogoi said he would continue the agitation until the government clearly explains the delays and provides a transparent update on the investigation.
According to him, “The people of Assam are in deep grief and anger. The government cannot brush this under the carpet while pushing its legislative agenda.” He also demanded that the Zubeen Garg case be taken up as the first item of discussion when the House meets. Throughout the week, this demand has remained at the centre of his protest.
Gogoi also called for a CBI investigation into the death, alleging lapses by the state police. He accused the Chief Minister of being “vindictive” towards Zubeen Garg and demanded that he step down from the Home portfolio. These allegations have added a layer of intensity to the ongoing Winter Session, drawing attention both inside the Assembly and in public discussions outside.
As today is the final day, the main question is what issues the House will actually manage to discuss. Considering the packed agenda, the government Bills may take priority, but it is also possible that urgent or high-profile issues may be raised during Question Hour or during other government business. However, it is less likely that detailed debates will take place on all pending matters due to time constraints.
What we can expect today is a focused and possibly tight schedule, with an effort to clear essential legislative items. What we may not see is a long and detailed discussion on every issue that has been raised during the past four days. Political protests, including the demands made by Akhil Gogoi, may or may not come up for formal debate, depending on the order of business set by the Speaker.
As the Assembly meets for the last day of the Winter Session, the government, opposition, and people of Assam will all be looking to see how much of the promised agenda is completed and which issues remain unresolved. The final hours of the session will determine whether the key Bills move forward and whether the voices raised by various members find space within the limited time left.