Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi on Wednesday said a representation seeking recommendation for the deferment of the Union Budget presentation in Parliament was being examined, and a decision would be taken in due course.
The budget is to be presented on February 1.
Mr. Zaidi was speaking at a press conference here after announcing the election schedule for five States.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has requested the Election Commission to recommend that the budget presentation be deferred till the completion of the election process.
Zaidi rejects charge of delay
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi on Wednesday rejected the charge that the Election Commission delayed the announcement of the poll schedule to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold the Lucknow rally.
Mr. Zaidi said the Commission had its own mind. Political parties had requested that the elections be held after Christmas and New Year Day. The poll panel finalised the dates, keeping in mind the situation in Manipur.
Mr. Zaidi said representations had been received from both factions of the Samajwadi Party. Ramgopal Yadav of the Akhilesh camp submitted documents that were being scrutinised. The panel would take a decision keeping the precedents in mind.
Mr. Zaidi said the panel would implement the SC’s directive that the use of religion, caste, race, community or language would amount to corrupt practice under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act and call for disqualification of the candidate. Guidelines were being framed, he added.
