Haryana Assembly Budget Session Turns Heated: Old age Pensions Debate Escalate

February 24, 2026

Chandigarh: Today is the third day of the Haryana Assembly’s budget session. The House proceedings began at 11:00 am. A heated debate erupted immediately over pensions. Congress MLA from Kalanwali, Shishpal Keharwala, and Minister Krishna Bedi engaged in a heated debate. Shishpal demanded, “Don’t just list the figures; answer why the pensions were stopped.” The Chief Minister also jumped into the debate.

Following this, Congress MLA from Julana, Vinesh Phogat, had a heated argument with Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam over the swimming pool in Ramrai village. Vinesh asked, “Was two acres of land donated for a swimming pool in Ramrai village? Is there any proposal under consideration to build a swimming pool there? If not, what are the reasons?”

Minister Gaurav Gautam replied, “There’s no proposal to build a pool. It’s not practical.” Vinesh said, “Please explain why it’s not practical. 250-300 children practice here every day. They’re practising in the pond. They’re getting allergic reactions. Minister, come with me—let’s swim across the pond once.” She said, “If the minister doesn’t have to be hospitalised, I’ll give up my claim.”

The Speaker interrupted, saying, “Vinesh, please bring the proposals of the selected children; we will consider them.” Vinesh replied, “The Minister neither answers the phone nor meets with me.” Minister Gautam replied, “Thousands of people come to meet me.” Vinesh replied, “My name is not among these thousands.

Uproar over old age pension, Congress MLA and Minister Bedi clash

At the beginning of the budget session, Congress MLA from Kalanwali, Shishpal Keharwala, asked how many people’s old-age pensions have been stopped for verification. How many pensions have been stopped after 2024? What is the criteria for this? Minister Krishna Bedi replied that 78,000 pensions have been cut due to death cases in old-age pensions. More than 5,000 pensions have been cut due to ineligibility. Many widows have now converted to old-age pensions.

The MLA interrupted, saying, “There’s no need to waste so much time. Just tell me how many pensions have been withheld for verification.” Bedi replied, “You’ll have to be satisfied. They mislead the public in the newspapers. That’s why I’ve provided all the figures.”

After this, Chief Minister Nayab Saini stood up and said, “The opposition has committed a sin by spreading rumors among the elderly. We are enhancing their respect by increasing their pensions.” The minister correctly replied that if a complaint is received, it is the government’s responsibility to investigate. Congress MLA Ashok Arora tried to respond to the Chief Minister, but the Speaker interrupted him.

Congress takes out foot march before session begins

Earlier, at 10 a.m., Congress MLAs marched from the MLA hostel to the Assembly. Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda led the march. They raised slogans against the Congress government, including “death to the government.” Congress members also carried posters with various demands.