Guwahati: Opposition lawmakers tore into the Assam 2026-27 budget on July 10, labeling the financial plan a recycled effort that relies too heavily on state borrowing. Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah presented the document, but critics argue it lacks original ideas.
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi led the charge against the administration. He dismissed the proposal as a tired, uninspired effort. "This budget is not going to bring anything new. It is a safe budget dependent on borrowings from the open market," Gogoi said. He claimed nearly one-fifth of the state revenue comes from loans. He also pointed out that major infrastructure projects, like the Kaziranga elevated corridor and Guwahati Ring Road, are actually central government initiatives.
Gogoi did offer mild praise for the 4,000 crore rupee irrigation plan. He noted that the state needs these facilities. However, he maintained that the broader package offers little benefit to the public. Other opposition members joined the fray. Congress MLA J P Das blasted the budget as anti-farmer and anti-people. He argued that the state ignored women and Adivasi communities. Meanwhile, AIUDF MLA Mujibur Rahman claimed the government simply copied old work to mask a lack of reform.
The BJP pushed back hard. MLA Pabitra Rabha defended the document as a vision for the future. He cited plans to add two lakh jobs and create opportunities through the Chief Minister Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan. Rabha also pointed to an 11,000 rupee bonus for PM-KISAN beneficiaries and expansion plans for medical colleges. He accused the opposition of attacking the budget solely to chase political points.
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