Assam CM attacks 'Left-liberal politics', pitches 'competitive federalism'
Guwahati, July 15
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on what he described as "left-liberal" politics, accusing such groups of routinely opposing development projects and asserting that states must embrace "competitive federalism" to secure greater support from the Centre.
Speaking in the Assam 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.
The Chief Minister argued that Assam cannot afford to remain 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.
Sarma said the Union government would naturally extend greater assistance to states that undertake reforms, promote industrialisation, expand exports, achieve higher literacy and work towards becoming power-surplus economies.
"The states that speak about reforms, industrialisation, exports, 100 per cent 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 utilised available resources effectively. However, he cautioned that neighbouring states are now moving rapidly with ambitious development programmes and Assam must continue pursuing reforms and infrastructure expansion to maintain its leadership in the region.
The Chief Minister made the remarks during a discussion in the Assembly while outlining the government's development agenda and emphasising the need for faster implementation of infrastructure projects.
— IANS
Reader Comments
There's some truth, but also nuance lost here. Opposition to projects isn't always "left-liberal" — sometimes it's about displacement of poor farmers or fragile ecosystems. Competitive federalism should mean all voices heard, not just bulldozing dissent. ❤️ Assam
As someone from a rural part of Assam, I can tell you — we need better roads and hospitals badly. Our local panchayat blocks every new highway with petitions. Some sense of urgency is lacking. CM is right that competition among states is good. Look at how Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have progressed.
Interesting argument, but "left-liberal" is becoming a convenient bogeyman. The real question is whether our state govt is transparent enough to handle these projects. We've seen corruption in Assam's infrastructure deals before. Accountability should come before competition.
Bahut sahi kaha CM ji! 💪 The era of sitting back and blaming Centre is over. States that reform get rewarded — that's just common sense. Assam needs to focus on literacy (still low in some districts), power generation, and ease of doing business. Let's compete!
As a North Indian watching this from Delhi, I've seen how Assam's growth has lagged due to excessive red tape. CM Sarma's competitive federalism pitch makes sense — but I hope it doesn't turn into a race where smaller states get left behind. Need cooperative federalism too.
Development is needed, but so is listening to local communities. Many of these "left-liberal" groups are actual villagers who
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.