Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a strong defence of the BJP government’s development agenda on Wednesday, accusing what he termed “left-liberal” groups of routinely opposing infrastructure and economic projects. Speaking during the budget session of the Assam Assembly, Sarma said the state must continue pursuing rapid growth to remain competitive with other states.
He stressed that Assam’s future depends on industrial expansion, better infrastructure and welfare-driven economic reforms rather than political opposition to development projects.
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a strong defence of the BJP government’s development agenda on Wednesday, accusing what he termed “left-liberal” groups of routinely opposing infrastructure and economic projects. Speaking during the budget session of the Assam Assembly, Sarma said the state must continue pursuing rapid growth to remain competitive with other states.
He stressed that Assam’s future depends on industrial expansion, better infrastructure and welfare-driven economic reforms rather than political opposition to development projects.
‘Every Development Project Faces Opposition’
Taking aim at his critics, Sarma said resistance to infrastructure projects has become a pattern among certain political groups.
“Left-liberal people try to oppose every development initiative. We need hospitals, roads, irrigation and agriculture, but whenever a project comes up, they resist it,” he said. The Chief Minister argued that development projects are essential for improving employment opportunities, strengthening agriculture and expanding public services across Assam.
Competitive Federalism Driving State Growth
Sarma said India has entered an era of competitive federalism where states that focus on industrialisation, exports, literacy and electricity generation are likely to receive greater support and investment.
“This is the era of competitive federalism,” he told the Assembly. He added that neighbouring northeastern states are also accelerating development, making it important for Assam to maintain its pace of reforms.
Government Highlights Poverty Reduction Through Welfare Schemes
The Chief Minister credited Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programmes for significantly reducing poverty in Assam.
According to Sarma, Assam’s multidimensional poverty rate has dropped from 32.67% in 2015 to 14.47%, with the government now aiming to reduce it to single digits.
“Direct cash benefit transfer has played the most major role in poverty alleviation in our state, and we intend to bring down the rate to a single digit,” he said.
He said welfare schemes such as Orunodoi, Nijut Moina, and the free foodgrain programme have made a substantial contribution to improving the lives of economically weaker families.
Medical College, Satellite Cities And Power Expansion Announced
Outlining future plans, Sarma announced that a medical college will be established in Mankachar within the next five years to strengthen healthcare services in western Assam.
He also said the government plans to create employment opportunities for nearly one lakh youths through the development of satellite cities aimed at attracting investment and promoting urban growth.
In the energy sector, Assam has set an ambitious target of generating 8,457 MW of electricity as part of its long-term infrastructure expansion strategy.
Opposition Criticism Rejected
Rejecting allegations that the state budget lacked originality, Sarma said the financial plan reflects the BJP government’s long-term development vision.
He urged legislators from all political parties to work together in encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting government projects and guiding young people preparing for competitive examinations.Taking aim at his critics, Sarma said resistance to infrastructure projects has become a pattern among certain political groups.
“Left-liberal people try to oppose every development initiative. We need hospitals, roads, irrigation and agriculture, but whenever a project comes up, they resist it,” he said. The Chief Minister argued that development projects are essential for improving employment opportunities, strengthening agriculture and expanding public services across Assam.
Competitive Federalism Driving State Growth
Sarma said India has entered an era of competitive federalism where states that focus on industrialisation, exports, literacy and electricity generation are likely to receive greater support and investment.
“This is the era of competitive federalism,” he told the Assembly.
He added that neighbouring northeastern states are also accelerating development, making it important for Assam to maintain its pace of reforms.
Government Highlights Poverty Reduction Through Welfare Schemes
The Chief Minister credited Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programmes for significantly reducing poverty in Assam.
According to Sarma, Assam’s multidimensional poverty rate has dropped from 32.67% in 2015 to 14.47%, with the government now aiming to reduce it to single digits.
“Direct cash benefit transfer has played the most major role in poverty alleviation in our state, and we intend to bring down the rate to a single digit,” he said.
He said welfare schemes such as Orunodoi, Nijut Moina, and the free foodgrain programme have made a substantial contribution to improving the lives of economically weaker families.
Medical College, Satellite Cities And Power Expansion Announced
Outlining future plans, Sarma announced that a medical college will be established in Mankachar within the next five years to strengthen healthcare services in western Assam.
He also said the government plans to create employment opportunities for nearly one lakh youths through the development of satellite cities aimed at attracting investment and promoting urban growth.
In the energy sector, Assam has set an ambitious target of generating 8,457 MW of electricity as part of its long-term infrastructure expansion strategy.
Opposition Criticism Rejected
Rejecting allegations that the state budget lacked originality, Sarma said the financial plan reflects the BJP government’s long-term development vision.
He urged legislators from all political parties to work together in encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting government projects and guiding young people preparing for competitive examinations.
Q1. Why did Himanta Biswa Sarma criticise left-liberal groups?
He alleged they oppose infrastructure and development projects by default.
Q2. What poverty reduction claim did the Assam CM make?
He said Assam’s multidimensional poverty rate has fallen from 32.67% to 14.47%.
Q3. Which welfare schemes were highlighted?
Orunodoi, Nijut Moina and the free foodgrain scheme.
Q4. What new healthcare project was announced?
A medical college will be set up in Mankachar within five years.
Q5. What is Assam’s electricity generation target?
The state aims to generate 8,457 MW of power.
