Uttar Pradesh Budget Session Kicks Off with Electoral Roll Debate and Political Tensions
The Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly commenced on Monday, setting the stage for intense political discussions, with the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls taking center stage. This 12-day session, beginning with Governor Anandiben Patel's address to both Houses, is expected to be heated as the Opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) gears up to challenge the government on multiple fronts.
Special Intensive Revision Sparks Major Controversy
At the heart of the session's agenda is the SIR exercise, which has already led to the deletion of 2.89 crore voters, accounting for 18.70% of the state's electorate. The SP has accused the BJP government of orchestrating this process to target booths where the party previously secured victories. Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey emphasized that his party will vigorously raise what they term "serious discrepancies" in the revision, alleging systematic misuse from the outset.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav escalated the accusations during a press conference in Lucknow, claiming that professional agencies hired by the government are selectively identifying and submitting Form-7 requests to delete voters from SP strongholds. Form-7 is the official document used to object to or request removal from electoral rolls, adding a layer of procedural contention to the political feud.
Law and Order and Unemployment on the Opposition Radar
Beyond the electoral roll issue, the SP plans to spotlight the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh, citing increasing incidents of heinous crimes. Pandey also highlighted unemployment, poverty, and atrocities against Dalits and OBCs as critical issues that the government has allegedly neglected. These topics are poised to dominate the Opposition's narrative, aiming to hold the administration accountable for socio-economic challenges.
Cross-Party Appeals for Constructive Dialogue
Prior to the session, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana convened an all-party meeting attended by key figures including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, and leaders from various parties. Mahana urged members to ensure smooth proceedings, stating that the Assembly should serve as a forum for debate rather than disruption, setting a standard for legislatures nationwide.
Chief Minister Adityanath echoed this sentiment, requesting Opposition leaders to focus on public-centric issues and foster healthy discussions. He emphasized that constructive dialogue is essential for state development and problem-solving, urging all representatives to avoid disruptions that could hinder legislative progress.
Session Schedule and Key Events
The session's agenda includes the Governor's address, followed by a motion of thanks for discussion. On February 11, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna will present the Budget for the 2026-27 financial year, a pivotal moment that will outline the state's fiscal priorities. The involvement of multiple party leaders, such as Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra 'Mona' and representatives from Rashtriya Lok Dal, Apna Dal, and others, underscores the broad political engagement expected in the coming days.
As the session unfolds, the interplay between electoral integrity debates, governance critiques, and budgetary deliberations will likely shape Uttar Pradesh's political landscape, with implications for upcoming electoral dynamics and public policy outcomes.
