Budget is 'constitutional obligation', will be presented today: LS Speaker

Even as the opposition called for postponement of the Union Budget following the demise of former union minister and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP E. Ahamed, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday said the annual budget being a 'constitutional obligation' will be presented today.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said she is saddened by Ahamed's demise, adding that an unfortunate incident has taken place.

"I just paid my last respects to him. Budget is a constitutional thing. We have to keep in mind that Budget is a constitutional obligation. It will have to be presented. So, the Budget should take place. It is a sad demise. We will the obituary. The Budget will be presented today. It will formally be announced shortly," Mahajan told the media.

Resonating similar sentiments, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, P.J. Kurien, said Ahamed was a successful politician and a good parliamentarian, adding that the latter's demise is a great loss for the entire nation.

"He was always ready to help others, especially whenever anyone had any problem in India or in any gulf country, as a MP or as a minister he always used to come forward with all possible help. The demise is a great loss to the nation," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today visited the residence of Ahamed, who passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest, and offered his last respects.

Expressing his condolence, Prime Minister Modi earlier said that Ahamed's empowerment of the Muslim community would be remembered.

"Saddened by the demise of Mr. E Ahamed, a veteran political leader who served the nation with great diligence. My condolences," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Ananth Kumar also paid their last respects to the departed soul.

The mortal remains of Ahamed will be flown to Kannur, his hometown, later in the day.

The senior minister was admitted in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during President Pranab Mukherjee's address in both Houses on Tuesday.