Guwahati, Feb 16: The Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began on February 16 amid a charged political climate, as the state prepares for Assembly elections expected in March–April. The four-day sitting is set to be the final session of the current government before voters across Assam’s 126 constituencies head to the polls.
Proceedings opened with the Governor’s customary address, outlining the government’s agenda and setting the tone for discussions. With elections around the corner, the government will not introduce a full state budget during this session. Instead, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog is scheduled to present a Vote on Account on February 17. The interim measure is intended to ensure that routine government expenditure continues during the early months of the new financial year, until a new administration takes office and presents a comprehensive budget.
The session assumes heightened political importance as it marks the last legislative engagement of the present administration before campaigning intensifies. Lawmakers are expected to use the Assembly floor to highlight achievements, question policy decisions and frame their narratives ahead of the electoral contest.
In the 126-member House, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently holds 64 seats. Its allies — the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) — have nine, seven and three seats respectively. On the Opposition side, the Indian National Congress has 26 MLAs, while the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) holds 15 seats. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has one legislator, along with one Independent member.
With the election season fast approaching, sharp exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches are anticipated, as both sides seek to consolidate their positions and appeal to voters in the lead-up to the Assembly polls.
