Political Preparations Intensify Ahead of Haryana Budget Session
With the Haryana Assembly's budget session scheduled to commence on February 20, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the principal opposition Congress party have initiated comprehensive preparations. The session, which will begin with the Governor's address, is anticipated to extend for nearly four weeks, setting the stage for significant political discourse on the state's financial and governance priorities.
BJP's Extensive Stakeholder Engagement
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also oversees the finance portfolio, has been actively conducting a series of meetings with various stakeholders to gather suggestions before the session. These consultations aim to incorporate diverse perspectives into the upcoming state budget, ensuring it addresses the needs of Haryana's citizens.
Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli elaborated on the party's approach, noting that beyond the Chief Minister's meetings, BJP leaders are engaging with multiple segments of society. This includes youth, women, farmers, students, and traders, reflecting a broad-based effort to understand ground-level expectations.
During these interactions, party leaders are explaining the provisions of the recently presented Union Budget and collecting feedback from party workers through online platforms. This dual focus aims to align state initiatives with national policies while fostering grassroots participation.
Government's Vision for the Budget
Chief Minister Saini has emphasized that the upcoming budget will mirror the needs, trust, and future aspirations of the common citizen. "The government's priority is to prepare a budget that delivers visible development on the ground and ensures that the benefits of schemes reach the people directly," he stated.
He further highlighted that the budget will be centered on public expectations and the welfare of all sections of society. "Special emphasis is being placed on administrative efficiency, technological innovation, and better utilization of resources. In this direction, continuous meetings are being held with various stakeholders and officers to deliberate in detail on every aspect," Saini added, underscoring a commitment to inclusive and effective governance.
Congress Readies Its Strategy
On the opposition front, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has convened a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) in New Delhi to finalize the party's strategy for the session. Hooda indicated that the Congress plans to prominently raise concerns regarding the state's fiscal health and deteriorating law and order situation.
Hooda pointed to Haryana's mounting debt, citing that the state is among the top five with the highest debt levels. "Haryana is among the top five states with the highest debt... This is why the debt, which was only Rs. 70,000 crore in 2014, has now ballooned to Rs 5 lakh crore," he remarked, alleging that the state's economy is faltering on multiple fronts despite significant borrowing.
Regarding law and order, Hooda emphasized ongoing issues such as ransom calls and extortion incidents, calling for urgent attention to public safety concerns.
Assembly's Enhanced Functioning
An official source from the Haryana Vidhan Sabha noted that under Speaker Harvinder Singh Kalyan, who assumed charge in October 2024, there has been a consistent effort to increase the number of assembly sittings. This initiative aims to provide legislators with more time to speak in the House, enhancing democratic deliberation. Under Kalyan's tenure, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha has already surpassed the number of sittings held in previous periods, reflecting a push for more active legislative engagement.
As the budget session approaches, these preparations by both the ruling and opposition parties highlight the critical role of stakeholder input and strategic planning in shaping Haryana's political and economic landscape. The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on fiscal management, development priorities, and governance challenges, setting the tone for the state's future trajectory.
