Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Adjourns Sine Die Amid Protests and Key Announcements
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhopal, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die on Friday, concluding an eventful Budget Session earlier than anticipated, now set to resume on March 6. This session, marked by intense debates, protests from the Opposition, and significant announcements regarding development and governance, came to a dramatic end.
Among the standout moments was Congress MLA Babu Jandel from Sheopur, who performed an extended headstand before the statue of Gandhi as a form of Gandhian Satyagraha, protesting against alleged political harassment linked to 15 FIRs, including recent accusations regarding cow protection and a 'Lord Shiva Baraat' procession.
During the 'Zero Hour', Congress representatives Sohan Balmiki and Pankaj Upadhyay raised this issue, but the Speaker opted to refer it to the relevant department, prompting Congress members to walk out in protest.
On the concluding day, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced tough measures against illegal colonies, stating that strict regulations would be implemented statewide within three months to address unauthorized developments.
He also disclosed the approval of approximately Rs 7 crore for the demolition of Sidhi's old bus stand and the construction of a new shopping complex, which faced delays due to tender processes but is expected to commence in the coming months.
Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar oversaw the adjournment after fulfilling the session's agenda.
The session commenced on February 16 with Governor Mangubhai C Patel's address, which was disrupted by protests from Congress MLAs concerning deaths in Indore due to tainted water supply and other public health issues.
Throughout ten sittings, discussions frequently became contentious. The Congress also attempted to introduce an 'adjournment motion' regarding the water contamination crisis in Bhagirthapura (Indore), which the Speaker declined to admit.
Opposition Leader Umang Singhar and his colleagues conducted symbolic protests with empty piggy banks to highlight alleged fiscal mismanagement and escalating debt from borrowings.
Despite these disruptions, the House successfully moved forward with the Motion of Thanks and the presentation of the 2026-27 state budget on February 18 by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda.
The budget, which features a record outlay of Rs 4.38 lakh crore, prioritizes women-centric initiatives, allocating Rs 1.27 lakh crore for programs such as support for Self-Help Groups and the Ujjwala Yojana.
Notably, no new taxes were introduced, with substantial allocations aimed at enhancing infrastructure, including Rs 17,350 crore for Metro Rail expansion, Rs 2,055 crore for tourism initiatives under the Tirth Darshan Yojana, and Rs 3,600 crore in preparation for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain.
Health infrastructure improvements were also a focal point, with plans for advanced facilities for cancer and cardiac care in medical colleges, alongside nutritional enhancements like providing free milk in Mid-Day Meals.
Additionally, farmer welfare was addressed through district-level food processing units and a push for job creation in the industrial sector.