However, the Opposition has demanded that as the main budget would be tabled, the discussion days for major departments should be increased. The annual budget for the 2025-26 fiscal, which is expected to cross Rs 8 lakh crore, is scheduled to be tabled on February 20.

“We will raise the issues affecting the public… from price rise, unemployment, law and order to Maha Kumbh. At present, the biggest issue is Kumbh, during which there has been loss of lives and people are facing several problems,” said Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey.

He pointed out that they have also demanded that more time should be given to discussion on budget of significant departments, rather than allotting time for discussion on two or three departments in a day.

Congress Legislature Party Leader Aradhna Mishra said, “The session scheduled from February 18 to March 5 has been declared, but there is a lot of difference between what the state government says and does. We are demanding more time be given for discussion on the main budget of a big state such as UP as there are many issues that need to be addressed.”

Sources said that the Opposition is also preparing to demand from the government a list of all those who died during the Maha Kumbh stampede. According to the government, 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in the stampede.

Earlier in the day, at the all-party meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while expressing hope that there would be “meaningful discussion”, said the session “would give impetus to economic prosperity and development plans of the state”. Making an appeal to the Opposition for “positive discussion”, he said the progress of the state is being appreciated all over the country. He urged the leaders at the meeting to ensure there are no obstacles in the functioning of the House, and they raise every issue related to public interest. He said raising issues of public interest and running the House smoothly would accelerate development.

Speaker Satish Mahana also appealed to all members to cooperate for the smooth conduct of the session. Mahana said the budget session is significant because the state government would present the outline of the plans and policies of the coming financial year. He requested leaders across parties to maintain parliamentary decorum in the house.

From Bundeli to Bhojpuri, House proceedings now can be listened in several languages

Lucknow: As part of a new initiative, the proceedings of the Assembly can now be listened in Hindi as well as Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundeli and English languages, officials said on Monday.

They claimed that this is a first of its kind experiment in any state Legislative Assembly of the country and the purpose of which is to further connect the common citizens of the state, especially those in the rural areas, with the democratic process.

“Uttar Pradesh is a vast and diverse state, where different regions have their own specific dialects and languages. In such a situation, it was necessary that the Vidhan Sabha establish maximum connection with its people… Hindi is our official language, but it is also important to promote regional languages. This will not only help the representatives in understanding the Indian language, but will also help in promoting regional languages,” said Speaker Satish Mahana, who introduced the new system before CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday.