Finance minister Arun Jaitley at an all-party meeting on Monday said that the Union Budget would observe “normal discipline.” His remark was indicative towards the opposition’s worries that it would contain a poll pitch intended at the forthcoming state polls.
Jaitley is believed to have said that the exercise to advancing Budget began a year ago. It is not linked to the state polls at all. The decision is anticipated to ensure that spending begins from April 1 rather than the third and fourth quarters, he said.
However, the Left and Congress raised the issue claiming that the Budget should have been delayed considering the polls.
The meeting also saw PM Modi saying the political grouses and complaints (gile-shikwe) are usual, but Parliament is meant to settle differences and work out solutions. “There could be difference among political parties but it should reflect only in polls and campaigns. However, all parties should come together and ensure that the House functions uninterruptedly,” said PM Modi.
While there were no nameplates for TMC, showing that the party was not likely to join, the Shiv Sena and PDP chairs remained vacant. While Congress member Jyotiraditya Scindia said they wanted to talk on issues like demonetisation and canteen provisions for paramilitary and Army personnel, AIADMK and DMK raised the issue of jallikattu.
“All parties, particularly the opposition, were of the view that the Budget session should function and discussion takes place,” said Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar.
