Debabrata Saikia

Debabrata Saikia (দেবব্ৰত শইকীয়া) (born December 14, 1964 in Nazira, Assam) is the current Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly.^[1] Saikia was elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2011 from Nazira constituency and retained his seat in 2016. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Assam, Hiteswar Saikia.He is the most popular leader among the current congress party in assam. Being in a respectable position in the political scenario of Assam, Sri Saikia, MLA of Nazira, is a visionary who has been manifesting his high ideas in the activities that he has undertaken for the upliftment of the people of Assam.With a very down to earth attitude, Shri Debabrata Saikia possesses the quality of a great leader with enthusiasm, ambition and dedication to work for his people.The younger generations in the society are now focused about development and employment opportunities rather than the old caste and religion based politics. Because of his working capability and capturing youth ,many intellectuals from the state see him as Future CM aspirant of Assam.

Background

Saikia was born on 14 December,1964, at Nazira, Sivasagar, Assam. Sri Saikia had completed his graduation in Arts from Calcutta University. He got married to Smti Bandana Saikia. Sri Saikia is blessed with his two children, Luit and Krishnika.

Political career

Sri Saikia became the General Secretary of Assam Pradesh Youth Congress Committee in the year 1992-93 and Self-Employed Review Committee formed by Assam Pradesh Youth Congress in 1992-93.He had been the Vice President of Assam Pradesh Youth Congress from 1993 to 1996. He had been appointed as State Convener of Bichar Bibhag by All India Congress Committee in 1994. He also served as a Convener, North East Congress Seva Dal in 1995-96. He became Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the first time from Nazira, 104 LAC in 2011 representing Indian National Congress. In 2016 assembly election, Debabrata Saikia was able to retain his seat comfortably as an MLA from Nazira Constituency after a big storm of PARIBARTAN created by BJP. Although the Congress party lost the election due to a huge anti incumbency, Mr. Saikia had emerged as a Big leader within the party and as well as in Assam politics after his big win in his own constituency. As almost all the senior leader had been defeated in their own constituency(Except Ex CM tarun Gogoi), Mr. Saikia had the most probable chance to become the leader opposition. After that defeat, a voice of changing the leaders within congress party was strongly raised. To maintain the unity within party and giving importance of his capability of hard working and dedication, the party high command made him the Leader of Opposition of Assam Legislative Assembly. He was relatively young and was acceptable to most of the 26 Congress MLAs who managed to win. Saikia’s appointment comes into effect from June 3,2016.

According to a popular blog platform DailyO from the India Today Group, Debabrata Saikia is the smartest choice for Congress in Assam, because of his low profile and measured visibility has managed to keep him politically fresh in the public psyche.

Social Activities

Shri saikia set up Swarna Jayanti Children’s Park at Charaideo for children for education in through entertainment On 30th January 2009.With a motto to “Bring SMILE” in association with YSW(Youth for Social Welfare)Saikia conducts Free Plastic Surgery Camps jointly with Interplast Germany,the global humanitarian organization. More than 500 children and poor patients till date were treated for cleft lips,cleft palate,burn contractures etc. since 1994 without government sponsorship.Now, the Assam Government has made "Smile project" a major government project.He also conducts some free distribution program of items of necessity to people below poverty line in many minority and tea belt areas.In his early days,before enter in the politics, he used to conduct awareness programs for various self help group for their development and operations.More than 300 Self help groups are developed in collaboration with SIRD and DRDA and also help the Self Help Groups to promote their products in national market.His dedicating nature always inspire the current youth those who are working in active politics.His vision for the new generation is exemplary.Currently Mr. Saikia has launched a new initiative called JAGARON(www.jagaron.in) to connect the people from all over the state and to listen their problems and issues facing in day to day life. Through this initiative he also trying to portray the issues of every house holds directly to the Govt. from the bench of Leader Of opposition.In this initiative he also keep a space to the youth those who are wanted to learn about digital media and campaign support.

References