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
Indian New Wave Cinema Architect Shyam Benegal dies at age 90
December 23, 2024
-
News
French court convicts eight people for their role in teacher's beheading in Paris suburb
December 21, 2024
-
News
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad flees Damascus as rebels announce to storm capital, say 'end of the era of tyranny'
December 08, 2024
-
News
Man tries to shoot Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at entrance of Golden Temple, arrested
December 04, 2024
-
News
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's visit to violence-hit Sambhal thwarted
December 04, 2024
-
News
Devendra Fadnavis picked as BJP legislative party head, set to be Maharashtra CM
December 04, 2024
-
News
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit violence-hit Sambhal today
December 04, 2024
-
News
Will FII investment flow Favour US or China?
November 28, 2024
-
News
No bribery charges against Gautam Adani and his nephew in US indictment, claims Adani Green
November 27, 2024
-
News
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire comes into effect, halts 13-month conflict
November 27, 2024
