Remains of the day: ‘Calm’ FM to Cong’s ‘begging bowl’ protest

Between the reading of figures from an iPad screen and repeated slogan-shouting from the Opposition benches, budget day in the state legislative assembly threw up enough moments worth viral reels on social media platforms.The assembly floor turned into a political stage where the rhythm of an unhurried budget speech met with occasional resistance. As finance minister Jagdish Devda rose to present his sixth budget, the clock announced 11 am. What followed was speech layered with constant disruptions from Opposition benches. No less than 21 times, Devda's budget speech was interrupted by Congress legislators, the decibels rising and falling like waves breaking into the shore. However, the disruption failed to throw the FM off his flow, as he kept on reading from his tab screen, even as those present had a difficult time making out what was being said. Clad in his customary all-whites, Devda's composure amid the constant heckling from Opposition members stood out as the highlight moment from the budget day. CM Mohan Yadav appeared relaxed, occasionally engaging in light-hearted banter even as slogans echoed from rival benches.In another moment that became the talking point on budget day, midway through the budget speech, Congress MLA from Dindori assembly seat and former minister Omkar Singh Markam demanded to know why the govt wasn't paying the MNREGA dues of tribals in his district. Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar asked him to sit down and not interrupt the budget presentation. But Omkar Singh Markam took out a begging bowl and a plastic bag and went from bench to bench asking for alms for the govt.