Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday criticised what he described as “left-liberal” politics, alleging that such groups routinely oppose development projects, and said states must embrace “competitive federalism” to secure greater support from the Centre.Replying to the discussion on the Budget 2026-27 in the assembly , Sarma said people need better hospitals, roads, irrigation facilities and agricultural development, but alleged that certain groups oppose projects wherever they are proposed. “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.Sarma said Assam cannot afford to fall behind in the race for economic growth and infrastructure development. “This is the era of competitive federalism. If we do not compete in development, Assam will continue to lag behind. We have to compete in growth and gradually take the state forward,” he said.The CM said the Union govt would extend greater support to states that undertake reforms, promote industrialisation, expand exports, improve literacy and work towards becoming power-surplus economies. “The states that speak about reforms, industrialisation, exports, 100% literacy and contributing to India’s development will receive support. States that fail to move with the country’s development will eventually be left behind,” he said.Referring to the changing economic landscape of the northeast , Sarma said Assam has traditionally been the region’s most developed state because it has effectively utilised its resources. However, he cautioned that neighbouring states are progressing rapidly with ambitious development programmes and said Assam must continue pursuing reforms and expanding infrastructure to maintain its leadership.He said Arunachal Pradesh could overtake Assam in the coming years with proposed projects to generate 3,000 MW of power. He said development projects there have received public support, unlike in Assam, where small infrastructure works often face prolonged controversies.Sarma also referred to the local area planning model followed in Odisha and Gujarat, under which govts develop designated areas and return part of the land to the original owners under pre-agreed conditions. He said adopting a similar model in Assam could help address artificial flooding in several areas. “The govt is strict. We must take the state on the path of progress and development. We will not compromise with those who oppose development. In the last elections, people voted for continuation of the works and not for a change,” he added.The CM urged the MLAs to turn their respective constituencies into ‘Aatmanirbhar’ in terms of production of vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and milk, among others, which will help control market prices.He also urged MLAs to promote entrepreneurship in their constituencies, support the implementation of govt projects and guide young people in preparing for competitive examinations to help build a self-sufficient Assam.
