LUCKNOW, Feb. 9 -- The Yogi Adityanath government's budget for 2026-27, the last full one before the 2027 assembly elections, is being seen as crucial one two counts as it offers the ruling BJP the final opportunity to fulfil pending promises from the 2022 Sankalp Patra and is also expected to carry a populist imprint.

As several pre-poll promises are partially implemented, the forthcoming budget is expected to serve as a vehicle to push these commitments, allocate funds and fast-track delivery ahead of the next electoral contest.

The government, experts believe, may prioritise welfare schemes, subsidies, and sector-specific incentives aimed at key voter groups, while projecting the budget as a consolidation of its governance record ove...