U.P. Budget Session: Opposition disrupts Governor’s address

The Uttar Pradesh Budget Session began on Monday on a stormy note, with Samajwadi Party (SP) legislators staging a protest, highlighting issues such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, UGC regulations, inflation, and unemployment.

The uproar began when Governor Anandiben Patel began her address in the House even as the Opposition leaders shouted slogans including “Governor go back”.

After Ms. Patel’s speech, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented the government’s Economic Survey, outlining an investment-led growth strategy to position the State as a $1-trillion economy. This is the first time the State has presented a review before tabling the budget.

CM seeks restraint

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said he hoped for constructive discussions to ensure the smooth functioning of the House. “The legislature is an important pillar of democracy. If any member has to raise any issue, then instead of disrupting the proceedings, they can hold a dialogue, because the government believes in dialogue to resolve problems.”

“The Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 11. After this, there will be a discussion. The Budget Session will run from February 9-20,” the CM said.

Hitting out at the government, Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati claimed that people from all sections of society across the State are distressed due to the Yogi Adityanath government’s “poor” policies.

In an X post, Ms. Mayawati noted that the Governor’s speech didn’t focus on the upliftment of society or the State’s development.

“But above all these, they are worried about their life, property and religion, towards which the Hon’ble Governor should have drawn the attention of the government so that the people of the State as well as the Opposition could have got some assurance,“ the BSP chief stated in the X post.