Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Turns Budget Session into Poetic Spectacle
In an unprecedented display of oratory flair, Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Devda transformed the state assembly's budget session into a verse-filled presentation on Tuesday. The minister eloquently wove ancient wisdom with original rhymes while presenting the comprehensive 2026-27 state budget, creating a memorable parliamentary moment that blended traditional governance with creative expression.
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Governance
Commencing his budget address with profound references to Chanakya Niti, FM Devda intoned the timeless principle: "Prajasukhe Sukham Raajyah, Prajanam Cha Hitam" – emphasizing that the true joy of a ruler lies in the happiness of the people, and their welfare constitutes his own prosperity. This philosophical foundation set the tone for a budget presentation that sought to connect historical governance principles with contemporary development goals.
Rhyming Priorities for State Development
The minister then transitioned into original rhyming verses that clearly articulated the government's multifaceted priorities for the coming fiscal year. His poetic declaration "Haath Ko Kaam, Har Upaj Ko Daam, Naari Ko Nirnay Ka Adhikar, Yuvaon Ko Haunslo Ka Prasar, Adhosanrachna Ka Vistar, Har Ghar Jal Apke Dwar, Swasth Sewayon Me Sudhar, Jankalyan Beshumaar" comprehensively outlined key focus areas including employment generation, agricultural price support, women's decision-making rights, youth empowerment, infrastructure expansion, universal water access, healthcare improvements, and extensive public welfare initiatives.
2026 Declared as Year of Farmer Welfare
In a significant announcement, Finance Minister Devda formally declared 2026 as the Year of Farmer Welfare in Madhya Pradesh. He poetically expressed this commitment through verses celebrating agricultural contributions: "Annadata Ke Shram Se Kheton Mein Swarna Nikharta Hai, Unnat Beej Aur Taknik Se, Bhagya Naya Ad Sajta Hai / Samarth Kisan Aur Samruddh Dagar Ki Nai Kahani Hai, Dharti Putra Ke Swabhiman Me, Viksit MP Ki Nishani Hai." This translates to acknowledging farmers' toil yielding golden harvests, with improved seeds and technology creating new destinies, while capable farmers ending poverty through their pride signals a developed Madhya Pradesh.
Environmental Consciousness and Public Aspirations
Demonstrating environmental awareness, Devda praised forests through Sanskrit verses comparing trees to selfless souls: "Chayamanyasya Kurvanti, Tishthanti Swyamatrpe, Falanvyapi Pararthay, Vrakshaah Satpurushaah Iva" – highlighting how trees provide shade to others while enduring the sun themselves, offering fruits for all like truly generous beings. He then acknowledged public aspirations with verses about dream-filled eyes and sky-high ambitions for a developed Madhya Pradesh.
Poetic Conclusion Amid Parliamentary Dynamics
The finance minister concluded his unique budget presentation amid the customary ruckus of the legislative assembly with inspirational closing lines: "Deep ban jalte rahe, pusp ban khilte rahe / Lok mangal ke liye, chalte rahe" – encouraging continuous effort like burning lamps and blooming flowers, all dedicated to public welfare. The session concluded with traditional salutations to both the nation and the state, marking an innovative approach to budgetary communication that may set new precedents for political oratory in legislative forums.
