Interim or full-budget: Oppn asks Govt

The issue of whether the government is presenting a full-budget or an interim budget was raised in the all-party meeting here on Thursday.

At the meeting called by the government to ensure smooth functioning of the Budget Session, the issue was raised by CPI National Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP D Raja to which the government informed him that it was presenting an interim budget.

He told the meeting that there were confusion in the minds of people as a section of media had reported that the government would present a full-budget, defying conventions in an election year.

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Sources said Raja was of the view that there was a need for clarity from the government side. Congress and some other parties have decided that they will protest if the government presents a full-budget by announcing direct tax proposals.

At the meeting, Trinamool Congress leaders Sudip Bandhopadhyay and Derek O'Brien questioned the government for listing 48 bills when there are not enough time for such an exercise.

"After President’s Address and Budget discussions, only few hours will be left for discussion. Why has government listed 48 Bills in 240 minutes? Only 5 minutes per Bill!" the Trinamool leaders asked.

They also warned that the government will be responsible for disruptions if they list contentious Bills like the Citizenship Amendment Bill and Triple Talaq Bill.

The Opposition parties also said that they would raise the issue of alleged misuse of CBI against political opponents.