Ranjit Kumar Das was re-elected as Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday, 21 May, and pledged to conduct House proceedings by taking all members — including Opposition legislators — into confidence, ensuring that the aspirations and concerns of the people of Assam find effective expression on the floor of the Assembly.

Das's priorities as Speaker

Speaking to reporters after assuming charge for the second time, Das said maintaining neutrality and functioning with a humanitarian and democratic approach would be the cornerstone of his tenure. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader underscored that the government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Council of Ministers had consistently approached public issues with sympathy and responsibility — a spirit he committed to upholding from the Speaker's chair.

'We will work by taking all Opposition MLAs into confidence. The hopes and aspirations of the people of Assam must find proper expression in the Assembly,' Das said.

Commitment to the Opposition

Das's emphasis on bipartisan conduct is notable in the context of Assam's politically charged Assembly, where the ruling BJP-led alliance holds a commanding majority. His assurance that all issues concerning citizens would be viewed through a humanitarian lens signals an intent to run a House that goes beyond partisan lines — at least in procedural terms. He reiterated his commitment to preserving the dignity and democratic traditions of the Assembly throughout his tenure.

A journalist-turned-legislator

Das also reflected on his long association with the media before entering active politics. Recalling his earlier professional experience at North East Media Corporation (NEMC), he said interacting with journalists had never been difficult given his journalism background.

'I have worked with NEMC earlier and have been closely associated with the media. So, speaking to journalists is never difficult for me,' he said.

Das noted that whenever he addresses public meetings, he acknowledges his former journalist colleagues, recognising the vital role the press plays in strengthening democracy. He described the media as one of the essential pillars of democracy alongside the legislature and the executive.

Media and democracy

'The media continuously carries democratic discourse forward. Without the media, we cannot reach people with what we do or what needs to be done,' Das said. His remarks reflect a broader acknowledgement — rare from a Speaker's podium — that the press is indispensable to translating legislative work into public accountability.

As Das begins his second term in the chair, the Assembly's ability to host robust, inclusive debate across party lines will be the true measure of the commitments he made on his first day back.