Budget 2017: Congress demands budget be deferred by a day after E Ahamed’s death

The Congress demanded on Wednesday that the presentation of the Union budget be postponed by a day following the death of sitting Lok Sabha member and former minister E Ahamed.

The Congress demanded on Wednesday that the presentation of the Union budget be postponed by a day following the death of sitting Lok Sabha member and former minister E Ahamed.

Usually, when a sitting member of a House dies, the House adjourns for the day after obituary references. (Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times)

Congress Lok Sabha leader Mallikarjun Kharge told ANI that several opposition parties, including the Janata Dal (United) and the Janata Dal (Secular), wanted the budget to be postponed.

Usually, when a sitting member of a House dies, the House adjourns for the day after obituary references. Government sources say they are discussing all possible options with opposition parties and a final decision would be taken by Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Kharge also alleged that the government had tried to delay the announcement of Ahamad’s death. “I’m going to Kerala to meet MPs to discuss how to raise this issue in the House,” ANI quoted Kharge as saying.

Government sources have said there is precedent for continuing with proceedings after obituary references.