UP Assembly Budget Session Witnesses Fiery Exchange Over Infrastructure Development
The budget session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Thursday turned into a battleground as UP Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma and senior Samajwadi Party MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav engaged in a sharp exchange over development works in the road and electricity sectors under the current BJP government.
Minister Highlights Urban Facilities and Power Supply Improvements
Speaking during a discussion on the governor's address, Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma asserted that the incumbent Yogi Adityanath government has made significant strides in bringing urban facilities and better power supply to both cities and villages across the state. "Our government worked extensively across sectors, ensuring that UP remained a leader in implementing central welfare programmes," Sharma declared, highlighting that Uttar Pradesh secured the top position in several national schemes, including the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
SP MLA Questions Development Claims, Cites Previous Regime's Work
This optimistic assessment was immediately challenged by Shivpal Singh Yadav, who questioned whether Sharma's claims held any ground. "Vast areas of the state still reel from a lack of basic facilities, including roads and electricity," Yadav countered, arguing that it was under the previous SP regime that a significant push was given to the crucial infrastructure sector.
Minister Accuses Previous Government of Favoritism in Power Distribution
Sharma fired back by accusing the previous Samajwadi Party government of blatant favoritism in infrastructure development. "It seems the truth is hard to swallow," Sharma retorted, alleging that under SP rule, consistent power supply was largely reserved as a luxury for Saifai, the SP leadership's native village in Etawah district.
"Today, the scenario has changed completely. Whether it is a city or a remote village, the state is providing 21 to 24 hours of electricity across the board," Sharma asserted, framing this shift as a fundamental move from "VIP culture" to "all-inclusive development."
Debate Escalates with Law and Order Remarks
The confrontation escalated further when Sharma took a direct jab at the Samajwadi Party's governance record. "It is ironic when SP leaders lecture the House on law and order. It is laughable to hear them talk about security given their history," he quipped, triggering strong reactions and protests from opposition benches.
Political Rivalry Intensifies Ahead of Assembly Elections
The heated debate underscored the intensifying political rivalry between the ruling BJP and the main opposition Samajwadi Party, with both sides positioning themselves on development credentials as Uttar Pradesh approaches crucial Assembly elections scheduled for next year. The exchange highlighted contrasting narratives about infrastructure progress and set the tone for upcoming electoral battles over governance performance.
