The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday witnessed the presentation of the ₹1.72 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented this budget, themed around 'Sankalp' (Resolution), with a special focus on the development of tribal-dominated regions like Bastar and Surguja. However, the budget speech was also marked by sharp exchanges and witty remarks between the ruling party and the opposition, making the House's atmosphere quite interesting.
Key Announcements in the Budget
Finance Minister OP Choudhary announced several important schemes during his speech. The most talked-about was the Rani Durgavati Yojana, under which the state's daughters will receive ₹1.5 lakh upon turning 18.
A Krishak Unnati Yojana worth ₹10,000 crore was announced for farmers, while women will get a 50% concession in registry fees for purchasing property in their names.
The most significant announcement was the development of Education Cities in the Naxal-affected areas of Abujhmad and Jagargunda at a cost of ₹100 crore each, providing facilities from primary to higher education.
Verbal Duel in the House: From 'Time Management' to 'Potatoes and Rats'
The political jibes began even before the budget was presented. When the Finance Minister arrived in the House three minutes late, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel quipped, "One who cannot manage time, what will his financial management be like, you can understand." Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam countered, saying, "There will be such management that it will be difficult for you to run away from here."
A humorous moment occurred when the Finance Minister mentioned the Potato Production Promotion Scheme. Chandrapur MLA Ramkumar Yadav interrupted to ask, "Has anything been done to find the rats?" Senior BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar smiled and replied, "Now we have to turn potatoes into gold."
Congress Attack: 'ChatGPT Budget' vs. Government's Claim
After the budget was presented, former CM Bhupesh Baghel termed it a 'ChatGPT Budget'. He said it seemed like it was written with the help of Artificial Intelligence and lacked any seriousness from the government. Meanwhile, CM Vishnu Deo Sai called it a budget that fulfills the resolve of 'Viksit Chhattisgarh 2047'.
Speech Completed Amidst Uproar
During the budget speech, former minister Kawasi Lakhma remarked, "We are tired of listening to the budget." Amidst continuous interruptions, the Chairman had to intervene. However, despite the commotion, the Finance Minister completed his speech, and now a detailed discussion on this budget will take place in the House.
