UP Assembly Speaker Rebukes MLA for Spitting Pan Masala in Vidhan Sabha

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana on Tuesday reprimanded legislators after receiving information about an MLA spitting pan masala inside the Vidhan Sabha hall. Taking immediate action, Mahana personally ensured the area was cleaned.

Addressing the House before the session began, Mahana expressed his disappointment, stating that he had reviewed video evidence of the incident. However, he refrained from naming the MLA to avoid public embarrassment.

“This morning, I was informed that a member had spit inside the Vidhan Sabha after consuming pan masala. I came here and got it cleaned. I have seen the MLA in the video, but I do not wish to humiliate anyone publicly, so I am not revealing their name. I urge all members to discourage such behavior. Keeping this Assembly clean is our collective responsibility. If the concerned MLA comes forward and admits their mistake, it will be appreciated; otherwise, I will summon them,” Mahana said.

UP Budget 2025-26 Presented

On February 20, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the state budget for 2025-26. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that the budget, amounting to over ₹8,08,736 crore, reflects a 9.8% increase from the 2024-25 budget, emphasizing infrastructure development.

“This budget is a testament to the state’s growing financial strength and the commitment of the double-engine government,” CM Yogi Adityanath said at a press conference, as quoted by ANI.

He further pointed out that Uttar Pradesh, once ranked 6th or 7th in terms of economic performance, has now become India’s second-largest economy.

Citing a NITI Aayog report on states’ fiscal health, Adityanath noted that UP has been categorized as a “front-runner” state. Between 2018 and 2022, the state’s fiscal health index improved by 8.9%, alongside significant reductions in unemployment and the creation of new job opportunities.