MP’s death: Convention or budget, question sparks social media debate

The death of IUML MP E Adamed sparked off speculations whether the Budget will be presented as scheduled or not

The death of Member of Parliament from Kerala and Indian Union Muslim League leader E Ahamed has sparked off a debate on the conventions of the parliament's functioning. The news of his death coming on the day of the Union Budget has sparked off speculations on whether the budget would be presented as scheduled or if the Lok sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan will take a call on postponing the same and adjourn it for the day as is convention.

With the Trinamool Congress already skipping the session on Wednesday, many leaders of the Congress have also threatened to boycott the session if the budget will be presented instead of adjourning the parliament as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Social media is abuzz with speculations of the budget presentation being postponed while reports suggest that it is unlikely.

The call now lies with Mahajan. "The speaker will take a call on whether the house will be adjourned due to the passing away of former Union minister, E Ahamed," said Santhosh Gangwar, minister of state for finance. Experts say that the House can be adjourned after the Budget presentation. On April 19, 1954, sitting member Jujhar Pal passed away on the day of presentation of the Railway Budget, but the House proceedings were held as scheduled. On August 31, 1974, sitting MP MB Rana passed away and then speaker GS Dhillon decided not to adjourn the House and Budget was presented when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, an IUML spokesperson has said that the Budget should go on as planned.

Experts say that the convention is to adjourn the House for a day, but adds that since Ahamed's last rites will be conducted outside Delhi on Thursday, MPs can attend Parliament for the presentation of the Union Budget. Sources from the government also suggested that an obituary could be paid to the departed leader either before or after the budget presentation. Sources suggest that the government has spoken to all parties on the same and a consensus has been arrived at.

OneIndia News