Uttar Pradesh Budget Session Commences Amidst Opposition Uproar During Governor's Address
The Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh legislature began on Monday with significant disruptions as Opposition members raised slogans against Governor Anandiben Patel during her joint address to both Houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The session, which marks the start of crucial financial discussions for the state, was overshadowed by protests and heated exchanges.
Opposition Disruptions and Sloganeering
As Governor Anandiben Patel began her speech, members of the Samajwadi Party (SP) entered the well of the house, shouting slogans such as "Rajpal go back" and "jhoodh bolna band karo" (Stop telling falsehoods). They held placards and repeatedly urged the Governor to stop reading what they termed a "false address." The Opposition insisted that discussions should prioritize pressing issues affecting the people of Uttar Pradesh, including rising prices, unemployment, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Other slogans raised during the protest included "Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar nahi chalegi" (This government is against Dalits) and "Inqlab Zindabad," reflecting broader discontent with the current administration. Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana attempted to calm the situation by assuring that all raised issues would be addressed, but the disruptions continued unabated.
Governor's Response and Sharp Remarks
In response to the ongoing protests, Governor Anandiben Patel addressed the protesting SP legislators directly. She warned them that their continuous shouting could harm their throats, saying, "Gala baidh jayega. Band Karo" (Your throat would hurt, you should stop). When the sloganeering persisted, she paused her address briefly and delivered a pointed remark, stating, "Apke samaya mein karya zero tha" (Work was zero during your regime). This comment referred to the previous SP-led government's tenure and added a layer of political tension to the proceedings.
Pre-Session Protests and Symbolic Gestures
Before the session began, SP MLC Ashutosh Sinha arrived at the Assembly on a bicycle, carrying a picture of Ahilyabai Holkar, a queen of the erstwhile Holkar dynasty. This symbolic act was intended to highlight concerns over demolition activities in Varanasi for developmental works, drawing attention to heritage and displacement issues. Such gestures underscored the Opposition's focus on grassroots and historical grievances as part of their protest strategy.
The Budget Session is a critical period for Uttar Pradesh, setting the financial agenda for the upcoming year. However, the opening day was dominated by political theatrics and confrontations, reflecting deep-seated divisions within the state legislature. As discussions are expected to proceed, the focus remains on whether substantive debates on economic and social issues will take precedence over partisan clashes in the days ahead.
