Assam Assembly Suspends Akhil Gogoi After Budget Protest and Tax Fraud Allegations

Guwahati: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi was kicked out of the Assam Legislative Assembly for the rest of the day on July 15. The suspension followed his repeated interruptions during Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s speech regarding the 2026-27 state budget. Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass ordered the removal after Gogoi ignored warnings to stop speaking.

Gogoi triggered the row by demanding answers about Assam’s standing in the Multidimensional Poverty Index. He cited a NITI Aayog report suggesting high poverty rates in the state. Outside the chamber, the Raijor Dal leader wore a black scarf in protest. He argued that Direct Benefit Transfer schemes fail to solve deep-rooted poverty, which requires better long-term planning.

The legislator also slammed recent police encounters in Bihar and Assam. He alleged that 81 people have died in police encounters in Assam and pushed the Supreme Court to investigate what he called fake encounters. Later that day, Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah hit back with explosive claims regarding the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park.

Mallabaruah accused Gogoi of operating the park while pocketing visitor fees without paying GST. He labeled the move a serious offense and requested the Assembly’s permission to launch an official probe. "If the House permits it, I will send officials to investigate the matter. By evading taxes, Akhil Gogoi has committed treason." The Finance Minister demanded accountability, claiming the park's financial conduct constitutes a major crime against the state.