Gujarat Assembly's Crucial Budget Session and Legislative Changes

The Gujarat assembly budget session begins, highlighting the state's budget presentation by Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai. During the session, the government plans to amend existing terrorism laws, removing references to terrorism acts, aligning with the central criminal law framework. BJP's Purnesh Modi is likely to become the new deputy speaker.

The Gujarat assembly budget session, set to commence on Monday, will include Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai presenting the state budget for 2026-27 on February 17. The session spans 23 days with 26 sittings, wrapping up on March 25, according to officials.

The 8th session of the 15th assembly will kick off with Governor Acharya Devvrat's customary address. On the agenda are condolence motions for deceased state leaders and the election of a new deputy speaker, following Jethabhai Bharwad's resignation due to his "busy schedule." Purnesh Modi, a BJP MLA, is favored to win against Congress's Shailesh Parmar.

In a significant legislative move, the government will propose an amendment to the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill, 2026. This amendment aims to remove all mentions of terrorism from the principal Act, aligning state laws with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which has already revised central criminal law provisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)