Guwahati, July 6 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state Budget, to be presented later this week, will chart the government’s economic roadmap for the next five years, with a strong emphasis on implementing the commitments made in the BJP-led alliance’s election manifesto.

The budget session of the Assembly began on Monday, and this will be the first budget after the BJP-led alliance came to power in the state for the third consecutive term.

Talking to reporters here, CM Sarma said the Budget, scheduled to be tabled by Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on July 10, would go beyond annual financial allocations and present a comprehensive vision for Assam’s long-term growth.

“The Budget will be based on the promises made in our election manifesto. It will present our government’s economic vision for the next five years and provide a clear direction for the state’s development,” the Chief Minister said.

CM Sarma said the government has identified agriculture, industrial expansion, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), self-help groups, employment generation and renewable energy as key priority sectors.

He added that the Budget would contain several measures aimed at boosting investment, creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening Assam’s economic base.

According to the Chief Minister, the government intends to accelerate development across multiple sectors while ensuring that the benefits of growth reach both urban and rural populations.

The state Budget will be presented in the House on July 10.

Responding to questions on reports of opposition parties exploring the possibility of forging a broader political alliance, CM Sarma said the ruling coalition was not concerned about such developments and would remain focused on governance.

“The people have given us a mandate of 102 seats. Our responsibility now is to fulfil that mandate through development and good governance. For the next two years, our priority will be to work for the people. Politics can wait until around 2028,” he said.

Projecting confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the state, CM Sarma asserted that the party had established a strong political foundation in Assam and claimed it would remain a dominant force in the state’s politics for decades.

–IANS

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