Bhopal, Feb 17 (NationPress) The session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly was marked by vigorous debates on Tuesday, as Congress MLA Atif Arif Aqueel fervently pushed for the cow to be recognized as the national animal. This appeal has reignited dialogues on cultural significance and policy enactment.

During the discussions, Aqueel pointed out the revered status of the cow within Hinduism, characterizing it as a “mother” figure deserving of the highest regard.

He implored the Assembly to advocate for “national” acknowledgment of the cow as the official animal and proposed a total ban on the leather industry.

“When a cow passes away, its last rites should be carried out with dignity,” he remarked, underlining traditional customs.

Aqueel criticized the ruling BJP for its inconsistency, arguing that despite holding a substantial majority and making promises, the government has “failed” to respond to similar requests made previously.

“There is a stark contrast between the BJP's rhetoric and its actions,” he asserted, calling for prompt legislative measures.

In defense, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma sharply retorted by connecting the issue to wider socio-religious contexts.

He suggested that “if Maulvis were to take an oath” - a reference to Muslim religious leaders - cow slaughter would naturally be eliminated, insinuating that enforcement issues arise from community-specific customs rather than governmental failure.

This exchange highlighted ongoing conflicts regarding cow protection regulations in the state, where stringent anti-slaughter laws exist but are often contentious in practice.

On the financial side, the Assembly is preparing for significant advancements.

The state administration is expected to present the third supplementary demands for the financial year 2025-26, potentially amounting to around Rs 20,000 crore. This additional funding aims to meet emerging expenditure requirements and adjust the budget mid-cycle.

Additionally, the Economic Survey for 2025-26 is set to be unveiled in the Assembly, providing a thorough overview of the state's economic performance, sectoral growth, and challenges.

The session will culminate on February 18, when Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presents the annual Budget for the forthcoming fiscal year.

This Budget, expected to adopt a “rolling” strategy with a three-year planning perspective extending to 2028, is anticipated to emphasize areas such as farmer welfare, infrastructure development, and preparations for major events like Simhastha 2028.