Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 23 : Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Umang Singhar, on Wednesday criticised the state government's first supplementary budget for 2026-27, alleging that it failed to address issues concerning OBC reservation, procurement of moong and employment for youth.
Speaking to ANI in Bhopal, Singhar claimed that the budget did not serve the interests of the common people and instead favoured large companies from Gujarat.
"The budget is not for the common people. Neither was there any discussion on OBC reservation, nor on the procurement of moong, nor on jobs for the youth. The budget is to benefit the big companies of Gujarat," Singhar said.
The Congress leader claimed that concerns related to OBC reservation were not addressed and alleged that the government had failed to make provisions concerning the procurement of moong.
Singhar further alleged that the budget did not contain measures aimed at generating employment opportunities for young people and reiterated his claim that it was designed to benefit large companies from Gujarat.
Earlier on Monday, Members of the OBC Mahasabha staged a protest in Bhopal on Monday demanding implementation of 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Leaders of the Congress and Samajwadi Party also joined the agitation in support of the protesters at Roshanpura square in the state capital, while police detained several demonstrators.
Singhar, had questioned the BJP government's stand on OBC reservation, alleging that it was avoiding discussion on the issue.
"There is no reservation for OBC, while the UCC bill is being introduced in the state assembly in hurry. For the past 22 years, they had no time for the backward communities. If they can discuss a bill on UCC introducing in the assembly, why do they refuse to discuss OBC reservation in the Legislative Assembly? We have spoken to Mohan Yadav multiple times. During an all-party meeting, we asked what the problem was with granting this reservation. But they use the court as an excuse. I want to tell the OBCs and backward classes of the state that you will now have to fight this battle in its final phase," Singhar said.
The Congress leader further said that the BJP has never accorded respect to the backward classes; now, everyone must take to the streets to claim their rights.
"I want to tell that the Congress party stands with you for your coming generations and for the youth. All of us Congress MLAs stand with you and assure you that we will take this battle to its final stage. I assure you that we will raise this issue in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow," Singhar added.