Guwahati, July 30: A momentous occasion will take place as the Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA) gets a new address on Sunday. This marks the third relocation of the Assembly after its initial shift from Shillong to Dispur in 1972, completing a remarkable 50-year journey. The new building, which has been under construction since 2009 on the existing Assembly premises, will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The construction of the new Assembly building has been a substantial undertaking, with an initial estimated cost of Rs 234 crore that later increased to Rs 351 crore. Despite the inauguration, the transition to the new building will be gradual, with the Assembly Secretariat continuing to function in the old building until the construction is fully complete.
The current 50-year-old Assembly building holds cherished memories of numerous political leaders and activists. The first session of the Assam Legislative Assembly in its present address took place on March 16, 1973, following the shift of the capital from Shillong to Dispur. This inaugural session, a budget session, was presided over by Governor Braj Kumar Nehru and Chief Minister Sharat Chandra Singha. Ramesh Chandra Barua of Dibrugarh served as the first Speaker of the Assembly, while Golok Chandra Rajbanshi of Rangapara held the position of Deputy Speaker. Over the years, the old building has stood as a testament to the service of 17 governors, 11 Chief Ministers, 13 Speakers, and 17 Deputy Speakers.
The Speakers of the Assembly who have graced the old building since its establishment include Ramesh Chandra Barooah, Jogendra Nath Hazarika, Sheikh Chand Mohammad, Pulakesh Barua, Jibakanta Gogoi, Debesh Chandra Chakraborty, Ganesh Kutum, Prithibi Majhi, Tanka Bahadur Rai, Pranab Kumar Gogoi, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Hitendra Nath Goswami, and Biswajit Daimary.
Similarly, the Deputy Speakers who served in the State Assembly from 1972 onwards include Golok Chandra Rajbanshi, Sheikh Chand Mohammad, G Ahmed, NC Kath Hazarika, Bhadreshwar Buragohain, Balobhadra Tamuli, Debesh Chakraborty, Prithibi Majhi, Nurul Hussain, Renupama Rajkhowa, Tanka Bahadur Rai, Pranati Phukan, Bhimanand Tanti, Dilip Kumar Paul, Kripanath Mallah, Aminul Haque Laskar, and Dr. Numal Momin.
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However, the history of the Assam Legislative Assembly extends beyond its presence in Dispur. The very first session of the Assembly was convened on April 7, 1937, at the Assembly House in Shillong. During this two-day session, Babu Basanta Kumar Das was elected as the first Speaker, followed by Debeswar Sarmah, and Laksheswar Borooah. After India adopted its Constitution on January 26, 1950, and held general elections in 1952, the Assembly witnessed the Speakership of Kuldhar Chaliha, Devakanta Barua, Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury, Hareshwar Goswami, and Mohikantha Das in Shillong.
The Assam Assembly’s shift from Shillong to Dispur in 1972 marks a significant chapter in its history. The present building, which hosted its first session on March 16, 1973, commemorates the 50-year tenure of 11 Chief Ministers who have served the state since then. These include Sharat Chandra Singha, Golap Barbara, Jogendra Nath Hazarika, Syeda Anwara Taimur, Keshab Chandra Gogoi, Hiteshwar Saikia, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, Bhumidhar Barma, Tarun Gogoi, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Although the new building was briefly used during the tenure of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami, its official inauguration will now mark the beginning of a new era for the Assam State Legislative Assembly. This architectural marvel will serve as the cradle of democracy for the state, where representatives will convene to debate, legislate, and shape the future of Assam.
The Assam State Legislative Assembly’s new address is a symbol of progress and growth, reflecting the journey of the state’s democracy over the past 50 years. As the Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates this modern and state-of-the-art building, it is a moment of pride for the people of Assam. With its doors opening to a new chapter, the Assembly’s new home will continue to witness the unfolding of history and serve as a beacon of democratic values for generations to come.
