MP Assembly Concludes Budget Session Amid Protests, Key Announcements on Development
MP Assembly concludes Budget Session with protests, key development allocations, and plans for infrastructure and welfare.
The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die on Friday, ahead of schedule until March 6, concluding an eventful Budget Session marked by heated debates, Opposition protests, and several key announcements on development and governance. The session, which began on February 16 with Governor Mangubhai C. Patel’s address, spanned ten sittings and frequently witnessed disruptions and dramatic interventions.
Among the most striking moments was Congress MLA Babu Jandel from Sheopur performing a prolonged headstand before the Gandhi statue as part of a Gandhian Satyagraha. Jandel protested what he described as political harassment through 15 FIRs, including some linked to cow protection advocacy and a recent ‘Lord Shiva Baraat’ procession. Other Congress members, including Sohan Balmiki and Pankaj Upadhyay, raised the matter during ‘Zero Hour,’ prompting a walkout after the Speaker directed the issue to the concerned department.
During the final day’s Question Hour, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced strict measures against illegal colonies. Responding to Sidhi MLA Reeti Pathak, he said statewide regulations would be enforced within three months to curb unauthorized development. Vijayvargiya also confirmed approval of approximately Rs 7 crore for demolishing Sidhi’s old bus stand and constructing a new shopping complex, assuring work would commence in the coming months.
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The session also saw spirited debates on public welfare issues. The Opposition moved an adjournment motion concerning water contamination in Bhagirthapura, Indore, following recent deaths linked to unsafe water, but the motion was declined by the Speaker. Congress members staged symbolic protests outside the Assembly, highlighting alleged fiscal mismanagement and rising state debt. Despite such disruptions, the House proceeded 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, totaling a record Rs 4.38 lakh crore, emphasized women-centric initiatives, with Rs 1.27 lakh crore earmarked for Self-Help Groups, Ujjwala Yojana, and other welfare schemes. Infrastructure received significant allocations, including Rs 17,350 crore for projects such as Metro Rail expansion, Rs 2,055 crore for tourism under the Tirth Darshan Yojana, and Rs 3,600 crore for preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain.
Health and agriculture sectors also featured prominently. The budget provided for advanced cancer and cardiac care facilities in medical colleges, nutritional enhancements such as free milk in Mid-Day Meals, and support for farmers through district-level food processing units. Industrial development and job creation were highlighted as part of the government’s broader vision for sustainable growth across Madhya Pradesh.
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