In quest for growth, FM turns shayar

Madhya Pradesh Finance minister Jagdish Devda turned the Assembly's budget session into a verse-filled spectacle Tuesday, waxing ancient wisdom and original rhymes eloquent into his presentation of the 2026-27 state budget.Kicking off with Chanakya Niti, FM Devda intoned: "Prajasukhe Sukham Raajyah, Prajanam Cha Hitam" – the ruler's joy lies in the people's happiness, their welfare his own. He rhymed out the govt's priorities: "Haath Ko Kaam, Har Upaj Ko Daam, Naari Ko Nirnay Ka Adhikar, Yuvaon Ko Haunslo Ka Prasar, Adhosanrachna Ka Vistar, Har Ghar Jal Apke Dwar, Swasth Sewayon Me Sudhar, Jankalyan Beshumaar." which roughly translates ti: Jobs for hands, prices for every crop; rights of women, boosting youth, expanding infrastructure, water to every door, better health services and endless welfare.On new initiatives, he recited: "Maujon Ke Thapedon Se Darkar, Jo Sahil Par Ruk Jate Hai, Vo Log Kahan Kasti Apni, Toofan Mein Utara Karte Hai" – those who cower on shore amid waves can't match storm-faring boats.Declaring 2026 the Year of Farmer Welfare, he said: "Annadata Ke Shram Se Kheton Mein Swarna Nikharta Hai, Unnat Beej Aur Taknik Se, Bhagya Naya Ad Sajta Hai / Samarth Kisan Aur Samruddh Dagar Ki Nai Kahani Hai, Dharti Putra Ke Swabhiman Me, Viksit MP Ki Nishani Hai." (Farmers' toil yields field gold; seeds and tech forge new fates; capable growers end poverty – their pride signals a developed MP.)Praising forests: "Chayamanyasya Kurvanti, Tishthanti Swyamatrpe, Falanvyapi Pararthay, Vrakshaah Satpurushaah Iva" – trees shade others while enduring sun, fruit for all, like selfless souls. Then, in thanks to the public, he said: "Ankhon Me Bhavi Sapnon Ki Jhil Mil Hai, Abhi Humko Tai Karni Ek Manzil Hai, Ambar Tak Jaane Ki Abhilashayen Hai, Viksit Madhya Pradesh Ki Ashayen Hai." (Eyes hold dream-lakes; one goal remains; sky-high aspirations for a developed MP.) Devda closed amid ruckus in the assembly: "Deep ban jalte rahe, pusp ban khilte rahe / Lok mangal ke liye, chalte rahe." (Burn like lamps, bloom like flowers, strive for public good.) Jai Hind, Jai Madhya Pradesh!