Guwahati, May 22 (IANS) Newly elected Congress MLA Zubair Anam Mazumder has said that entering the Assam Legislative Assembly for the first time and taking oath as a legislator felt like a student attending school on the first day.

Mazumder, who won from the Algapur Katlichera Assembly constituency in Hailakandi district with a record margin of more than one lakh votes, on Thursday described the experience as entirely new and emotionally significant.

Speaking to reporters after taking oath in the Assembly, the first-time MLA added that he had earlier been involved only in organisational politics and had never participated in electoral politics before contesting the Assembly polls.

“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 Congress legislator expressed hope that his journey in public life would continue positively and added that he would focus on raising people’s issues inside the Assembly.

On the delay in appointing the Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Mazumder dismissed speculation of divisions within the Congress Legislature Party.

He said the process of selecting the Opposition leader would begin shortly after internal responsibilities and discussions 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 added.

Responding to questions on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Mazumder said that the current proposal cannot truly be termed “uniform” if separate provisions are being considered for tribal communities.

“The meaning of ‘uniform’ is equality. But if separate arrangements are being made for tribal communities, then it is not entirely uniform,” he added.

At the same time, the Congress MLA said he respected the decision to protect tribal customs and traditions, adding that every community in Assam has its own cultural practices and traditions that deserve recognition and protection.

Mazumder also asserted that despite the Congress having a reduced strength in the Assembly, the party would continue to function as a strong Opposition and raise public issues vigorously.

“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 added.

–IANS

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