Why Did Bengal's Budget Session Schedule Change Due to Mamata Banerjee's Visit to Delhi?
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Kolkata, Jan 27 (NationPress) The unexpected decision of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to head to New Delhi has led to significant revisions in the timetable for the forthcoming budget session of the West Bengal Assembly, according to sources on Tuesday.
The initial arrangement had the budget session commencing on January 31. However, officials from the Assembly Secretariat have confirmed that it has now been rescheduled to begin on February 3.
With Assembly elections approaching this year, the state government will not be presenting a complete Budget; instead, a Vote on Account will be introduced.
An official from the Legislative Assembly noted that the newly adjusted schedule will kick off on February 3, after which the House will be adjourned for the day following condolence references, adhering to usual protocol.
The Assembly will be closed the following day to observe Shab‑e‑Barat, with the Vote on Account being presented on February 5.
The session will reconvene the next day for discussions on financial proposals, with February 9 projected as the final day of the session.
Furthermore, this rescheduling comes amidst significant political events in the state. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at a rally in Singur, located in the Hooghly district.
Shortly after, Chief Minister Banerjee’s visit to Singur was confirmed, where she is expected to conduct a public meeting on Wednesday.
Political analysts speculate that she may address the Prime Minister’s remarks during her visit. Following her meeting, Banerjee is anticipated to travel to Delhi.
Analysts also consider her visit to Delhi to be of significant importance, with expectations that she will discuss the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the capital.
As the Assembly elections draw near, many are eager to see if she will confer with partners of the INDIA alliance, particularly the Congress.
Sources indicate that Banerjee’s main aim is to foster a consensus among opposition parties concerning the SIR process currently being implemented in numerous states, including West Bengal.
A member of the West Bengal cabinet, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the duration of her stay in Delhi is yet to be determined. However, it is clear that the Chief Minister plans to be in the national capital during the forthcoming Budget session of Parliament, coinciding with the presence of senior leaders and MPs from key opposition parties.