Image
EC panel seeks govt's response on Oppositions's demand to postpone Budget
New Delhi, Jan 7 (IBNS): The Election Commission has sought the government's response on opposition's demand to postpone the Union Budget presentation after Mar 8, media reports said.
Opposition parties met the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday and demanded that Budget 2017 be presented after March 8, which is the last day of voting in poll-bound five states, according to media reports.
ECI on Wednesday announced dates for the Assembly polls in five states between February 4 and March 8 stipulating a seven-phase polling for Uttar Pradesh, the biggest of all, with 403 seats.
The Union Budget is expected to be presented on Feb 4. The Railway Budget, which used to be presented prior to the General Budget so long, will be merged with the latter, from this year.
An 11-member delgation of Opposition parties, including those from the Congress, the TMC, DMK, JD (U), met the Election Commissioner on Thursday, saying that the BJP is likely to announce sops and programs to sway the voters and this will be in contravention of the model code of conduct, according to media reports.
Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress said that BJP can adopt populist measures in the Budget, which can prevent free and fair elections in the states, media reported.
Derek O'Brien has suggested that the Budget should be presented after Mar 8 and passed before Mar 31.
According to reports, BJP has said the demand for postponement of the Budget by the Opposition is an attempt to politicalise the government's constitutional duties.
Top Headlines
-
News
India refuses to sign SCO joint statement lacking Pahalgam attack but featuring Balochistan unrest
June 26, 2025
-
News
Iran confirms nuclear facilities were 'badly damaged' by US strikes
June 25, 2025
-
News
'Israel violated ceasefire too, I'm not happy with them': Donald Trump dials Benjamin Netanyahu
June 24, 2025
-
News
Modi meets members of Operation Sindoor outreach delegations, lauds them for voicing India's stand
June 10, 2025
-
News
Welcomed Belgiums support and solidarity in combatting terrorism: S Jaishankar after meeting Maxime Prevot
June 10, 2025
-
News
US Congressman Sherman urges Pakistani delegation to ensure doctor's release who helped track down Laden
June 09, 2025
-
News
Protests escalate in Los Angeles hours after Trump deploys National Guard troops
June 09, 2025
-
News
Immigration Protests: National Guard troops arrive in LA following Trump's order
June 08, 2025
-
News
Russia hits Kyiv with drones, missiles, four dead
June 06, 2025
-
News
IPL title victory stampede: RCB marketing chief Nikhil Sosale arrested
June 05, 2025
