Date:16/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/16/stories/2006121601361700.htm

National

Assam wants name changed

Sushanta Talukdar

GUWAHATI: The Assam Assembly on Friday resolved that the Centre be moved by the State Government to effect a change in the name of the State to "Asom" and suitably in the Constitution as well. The resolution, moved by the Government and adopted by voice vote, endorsed the February 27 Cabinet decision that "Assam," henceforth, be written as "Asom." A change in the name can take effect only after Parliament makes a Constitution amendment.

Anup Phukan (AGP) and Drupad Borgohain (CPI) opposed passing the resolution in a hurry and sought a discussion on the ground that various sections of the people had voiced opposition to the change.

Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai disallowed any discussion, saying the Opposition parties had come up with the suggestions when the resolution was put to vote.

AGP president and Leader of the Opposition Brindaban Goswami said his party wanted a discussion on the resolution to reflect the views expressed by a cross-section of the people opposed to the change.