Turbulent Start to Madhya Pradesh Assembly's Budget Session

The Madhya Pradesh assembly's budget session started turbulently as Congress MLAs interrupted Governor Mangubhai Patel's address, objecting to his comments on water contamination deaths. Despite opposition's disruption, the Governor completed his speech. The budget will be presented on February 18, and the session ends on March 6.

The budget session of the Madhya Pradesh assembly began on a tumultuous note, with chaos erupting shortly after Governor Mangubhai Patel's address. Congress MLAs, led by Opposition Leader Umang Singhar, raised objections concerning the governor's comments on the state's clean water pledge amidst recent water contamination deaths in Indore.

As Governor Patel continued his address, a loud commotion ensued, with the opposition shouting and the treasury benches cheering the governor's enumeration of government achievements. The session was momentarily paused to bid farewell to the governor, following which Speaker Narendra Tomar stated that the unaddressed remainder of the governor's speech would be considered read, before adjourning the house proceedings until Tuesday.

In a related development, the government has submitted a 'death audit' report to the MP High Court, revealing that 16 casualties occurred in Indore's Bhagirathpura area due to an outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water in December 2025. The state budget for 2026-27 is slated for presentation on February 18, with the session concluding on March 6.

(With inputs from agencies.)