VIDEO: BJP MLA Devyani Rana criticizes Omar Abdullah's budget, sparks applause in J&K assembly

Srinagar (The Uttam Hindu): A scene unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that sparked debate in political circles. During the budget session, first-time BJP MLA Devyani Rana sharply criticized the budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, yet the ruling National Conference legislators enthusiastically applauded and praised her speech. A video of her candidly speaking in Parliament is going viral on social media.

When Devyani Rana stood up to deliver her speech, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather appealed to the members to encourage the first-time MLA. National Conference members applauded her by thumping tables. The atmosphere in the House remained cordial even after her speech.

The budget session was completely peaceful

It's worth noting that a day earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a budget of ₹1.13 lakh crore in the Assembly. The following day, Devyani Rana delivered a factual and restrained speech of approximately 12 minutes. During this session, the House remained completely quiet, with no disturbances or disturbances.

Devyani Rana questioned the reduction in budget allocations for several key sectors, including education and disaster management. She asked the government, citing statistics, why budget cuts were made in sensitive and essential areas. She also pointed out shortcomings in the implementation of welfare schemes.

Referring to the bus services for the disabled, the BJP MLA said they lack the technical mechanisms to truly support them. He said the schemes' objectives will only be achieved if they are effectively implemented on the ground.

Who is Devyani Rana?

Devyani Rana is the daughter of the late senior leader Davinder Singh Rana. After her father's death, she won the by-election from the Nagrota assembly seat and entered the assembly. Davinder Singh Rana was a longtime prominent leader of the National Conference and was considered close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He later joined the BJP.

Devinder Rana passed away shortly after the assembly elections in October 2024. Omar Abdullah has on several occasions described his departure from the party as the biggest regret of his political career. Following Rana's death, Omar Abdullah delivered an emotional speech in the assembly. During the by-election, the National Conference fielded only a symbolic candidate against Devyani Rana, and Omar Abdullah himself refrained from making any political comments against her. This cordial atmosphere in the House, despite political opposition, is being seen as a positive sign in Jammu and Kashmir politics.