LS Speaker dismisses Oppn appeal for postponement of Budget

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday dismissed the opposition's demand, citing constitutional obligation of the House, for postponement of the Union Budget following the demise of former union minister and Member of Parliament E. Ahamed.

"Saddened by E. Ahamed ji's demise, but the budget will be presented. We have to keep in mind that budget is a constitutional obligation, which will have to be presented. Budget will be there, it is a constitutional requirement. We will decide on the procedure," she told the House amid uproar from the opposition benches.

Mahajan said that she would have adjourned the House, but the sitting has been fixed by President Pranab Mukherjee for presentation of the budget.

She, however, added that the house will be adjourned tomorrow as a mark of respect for Ahamed.

However, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged the Speaker for postponement of the budget.

Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is presenting the budget for fiscal year 2017-18.