Newly elected Congress MLA Zubair Anam Mazumder took oath in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday, 22 May, describing the moment as emotionally charged and entirely unfamiliar — likening it to a student's first day at school. Mazumder won from the Algapur Katlichera constituency in Hailakandi district by a record margin of over one lakh votes.

A First-Timer's Perspective

Speaking to reporters after the oath ceremony, Mazumder acknowledged that neither he nor anyone in his family had previously been involved in electoral politics. His background was entirely in organisational work within the party.

'This is completely a new experience for me. Neither I nor anyone in my family had any connection with electoral politics earlier. Entering the Assembly and taking oath today felt like the first day at school,' Mazumder said.

The first-time legislator added that his focus inside the House would be squarely on raising constituents' concerns and public issues.

On the Delay in Appointing Opposition Leader

Mazumder pushed back against speculation that the delay in naming a Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly signals internal divisions within the Congress Legislature Party. He described such reports as speculative and said the selection process would begin once internal discussions and responsibilities were completed.

'These are all speculative reports. The party has certain processes and responsibilities to complete. Discussions will begin and a decision will be taken on who is best suited for the post,' he said.

Mazumder's Stand on the Uniform Civil Code

On the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Mazumder raised a pointed conceptual objection: if separate provisions are being carved out for tribal communities, the code cannot truly be called 'uniform.'

'The meaning of "uniform" is equality. But if separate arrangements are being made for tribal communities, then it is not entirely uniform,' he said. At the same time, he stressed that he respects the decision to protect tribal customs and traditions, noting that every community in Assam has distinct cultural practices that deserve recognition.

Congress as a Reduced but Determined Opposition

Despite the party's reduced numerical strength in the current Assembly, Mazumder asserted that the Indian National Congress (INC) would function as a vigorous Opposition and hold the government accountable on public matters.

'We do not have any personal agenda. Our duty is to raise the concerns of the people and we will continue to do that strongly inside the House,' he said. This comes amid broader questions about the Congress's capacity to mount effective legislative scrutiny in Assam after its electoral performance.