UP assembly session kicks off amid fiery protests; govt faces scrutiny on law and order, education, flood crisis

The Uttar Pradesh assembly session, which began on Monday, is likely to be a stormy one, if the opposition’s protests on the first day of the session is anything to go by.

 

The Samajwadi Party took the lead with members raising slogans like ‘Jab Jab Yogi durrta hai, Police aage karta hai’ (loosely translated as 'Whenever Yogi is scared, he brings forth the police').

 

Here is an overview of issues that will dominate this session of the assembly.

 

Flood crisis, compensation to farmers, governance

 

The session opens amid an ongoing flood crisis that has devastated 17 districts across the state. Among the worst affected are Prayagraj and Varanasi. Almost all major rivers are flowing above the danger mark, and about one lakh people have been impacted. There have been significant crop losses and damage to property as well. The opposition is demanding swift Central government relief packages and adequate compensation for affected farmers. Criticism equally targets the state government’s management of rescue and relief operations, with allegations of delays and inefficiency that magnify the suffering on the ground. The House is expected to witness heated exchanges over whether the government has fulfilled its responsibility to the state's farmers and rural population.

 

School mergers and higher education amendments

 

Another flashpoint is the government's policy of merging schools, aimed ostensibly at streamlining education infrastructure. Opponents argue this approach risks reducing access to education, especially for rural and marginalised students, potentially exacerbating dropout rates. The Uttar Pradesh Private University (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 and its Second Amendment Ordinance, 2025, will be introduced during the session. These ordinances have been brought to regulate private universities and ensure the quality of education, but this is bound to spark intense discussions.

 

Law and order, women’s security, and corruption allegations

 

The state’s law and order situation remains under sharp scrutiny. The opposition is decrying the rise of crimes, especially against the Scheduled Castes and the minorities. It has also been vocal about lapses in policing and insufficient protection for women, challenging the government’s assurances of safety and justice. There is also a torrent of corruption allegations directed at administrative officials and political figures, which will be on full display during this session.  

 

Banke Bihari Corridor Ordinance

 

Of the six ordinances listed for this session, this will be of key interest. There will be debates over land acquisition, displacement, and cultural preservation.

 

Vision Document 2047: Ambitious development plans under debate

 

A significant agenda item is the ‘Vision Document 2047,’ a blueprint outlining comprehensive development goals aimed at positioning Uttar Pradesh within a broader national vision for a developed India by the country's centenary of independence. The brief, intense 24-hour marathon debate planned in the session reflects both the importance and controversy of the document. While the government views this as a historic opportunity to chart a transformative course in infrastructure, education, economy, and governance, the opposition is critical of the limited time allocated for a pivotal topic that requires exhaustive discussion to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

 

In addition, the Bihar SIR and the broader issue of electoral integrity will also creep into the discussions.

India