In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana reported that some assembly members had spit in the Vidhan Sabha hall after consuming pan masala. He personally cleaned the area after learning about the incident but chose not to name the involved MLA to avoid public shaming. Mahana emphasized the responsibility of members to maintain cleanliness. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the 2025-26 state budget, which is 9.8% higher than the previous year, focusing on infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, and social welfare, reflecting the state’s growing economy and commitment to development.
Lucknow:
On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana disclosed that certain Assembly members spat in the Vidhan Sabha hall after consuming pan masala.
Speaking to the members before the House session commenced today, Mahana shared that he took the initiative to clean the area upon learning about the incident. He mentioned that he had witnessed the MLA engaged in this behavior through a video but chose not to disclose the name to prevent public embarrassment.
“This morning, I was informed that some Members in this hall of our Vidhan Sabha had spat after using pan masala. Consequently, I came here and ensured it was cleaned. I have seen the MLA in the video. However, I do not wish to shame anyone publicly. Therefore, I will not reveal their name. I urge all Members to intervene if they notice anyone doing this… It is our duty to keep this Assembly clean… If the MLA in question wants to own up to their actions, that would be commendable; otherwise, I will address the matter with them,” he stated.
In other news, on February 20, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that the state’s budget reflects a 9.8 percent increase compared to the 2024-25 budget and emphasizes infrastructure development.
During a press conference, CM Yogi stated, “This budget amounts to over ₹8,08,736 crore, representing a 9.8 percent increase from the 2024-25 budget. This rise in budget size signifies the strength of our state, while also showcasing the commitment of the double-engine government.”
He pointed out that whereas UP’s economy was once ranked 6th or 7th in the nation, it has now ascended to become the second-largest economy in India.
“According to the NITI Aayog report on the financial health of states, Uttar Pradesh is classified in the front-runner category. Between 2018 and 2022, the state’s physical health index improved by 8.9 percent, and during this time, UP successfully tackled unemployment and generated additional job opportunities,” he noted.
“22 percent of the total budget has been designated for infrastructure development. For education, ₹1,06,360 crore has been allocated, equating to 13 percent of the total budget. While the average demand for education funding is 6 percent, UP stands out as one of the states in the country that allocates 13 percent of its budget to education,” emphasized CM Yogi.
The Uttar Pradesh CM also highlighted that 11 percent of the total budget is proposed for agriculture.
“For healthcare, the government has set aside ₹50,550 crore, which comprises 6 percent of the total budget. For the Social Welfare Department, a budget provision of ₹35,863 crore has been allocated to support the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, persons with disabilities, women, and child development,” said CM Yogi Adityanath.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)