Synopsis
On March 12, former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made an unexpected appearance at the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the budget presentation, receiving a warm welcome from both BJP and Congress members. Chouhan, now serving as Union Agriculture Minister, discussed the state budget's focus on development.Key Takeaways
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan's surprise visit to the Assembly.
- Warm reception from both BJP and Congress MLAs.
- Discussion on budget priorities including women, health, and agriculture.
- Budget aimed at doubling GSDP by 2029-30.
- Emphasis on the 'GYAN' initiative of PM Modi.
Bhopal, March 12 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's unexpected visit to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the budget session on Wednesday caught many by surprise.
Upon his entrance, he received a warm greeting from members of both the Opposition Congress and the ruling BJP.
Chouhan, who currently serves as the Union Agriculture Minister, acknowledged the reception with a gesture of folded hands. The veteran BJP leader, who held the position of Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 2005 until December 2023 (apart from an 18-month period under the Kamal Nath-led Congress government), spent some time in the assembly listening to the State's Finance and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda as he presented the budget.
Additionally, Chouhan visited Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar. Present there were Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, State's Urban and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar. Later, during discussions about Madhya Pradesh's budget for the financial year 2025-26, the former CM stated that the budget reflects the vision for a 'Viksit Madhya Pradesh', aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
"The BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has placed a strong emphasis on budget allocations for the development of women, infrastructure, health, and agriculture as priority sectors. It has also allocated funds for the Ladli Behna and Ladli Laxmi Yojanas," Chouhan mentioned during a media interaction.
On the same day, Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented a budget of Rs 4.21 lakh crore in the state assembly, marking an increase of Rs 48,954 crore from the previous year’s budget of Rs 3.75 lakh crore. Maintaining an estimated fiscal deficit of 4 percent of GSDP, this budget aims to double both the budget size and GSDP of the state by the year 2029-30.
"This budget serves as a blueprint to actualize the 'GYAN' (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata and Nari) mantra of PM Modi, manifesting a vision on the soil of Madhya Pradesh... This budget will enhance the happiness and prosperity of villages, the poor, youth, food providers, women, and farmers," Chief Minister Mohan Yadav subsequently stated.
