The Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began today at a time when the political environment across the state is gradually becoming active ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections expected in March–April. The present session is considered important because it is likely to be the last sitting of the current government before voters go to the polls to elect a new Assembly. The four-day session started with the customary address by the Governor, which traditionally outlines the government’s achievements, policy priorities and administrative plans. The address formally set the tone for the legislative proceedings and also marked the beginning of what many political observers see as a politically significant session due to the approaching elections. Unlike previous years, the government will not present a full annual budget during this session. Since the Assembly elections are expected to be held soon, the existing government will instead present a Vote-on-Account, an interim financial arrangement that allows the administration to continue routine spending for a limited period. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog is scheduled to table the Vote-on-Account on February 17. This temporary financial provision will ensure that salaries, development works, welfare schemes and other essential expenditures continue without interruption until a new government is formed and presents a full-fledged budget for the financial year.
Officials explained that presenting a Vote-on-Account before elections is a standard parliamentary practice followed in many states and at the national level whenever elections are scheduled close to the beginning of a financial year. The arrangement generally covers government spending for a few months, after which the newly elected government prepares a detailed budget reflecting its own policy priorities and financial plans. The current session also carries political importance because it gives both the ruling alliance and the Opposition an opportunity to present their positions before the electorate. Members of the treasury benches are expected to highlight the government’s achievements over the past term, including development initiatives, welfare programmes and infrastructure projects undertaken across the state. At the same time, Opposition parties are likely to raise issues concerning governance, public services and local concerns in different constituencies.
At present, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which leads the state government, holds 64 seats in the 126-member Assembly. Its alliance partners also contribute to the ruling coalition’s strength in the House. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has nine legislators, while the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) holds seven seats. The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) has three members in the Assembly. On the Opposition side, the Indian National Congress has 26 MLAs, making it the largest opposition party in the House. The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has 15 members, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI-M] has one legislator. There is also one Independent MLA.