Opposition stages walkout from Assembly over "budget leak"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 21 (UNI) The Congress-led Opposition staged a walkout from the Kerala Assembly today protesting against an alleged leaking of budget proposals by State Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac through media interviews.

Seeking leave for an adjournment motion in this regard, Kerala Congress (M) leader K M Mani said the action of the Finance Minister was a serious matter warranting an enquiry.

He alleged that Dr Isaac violated procedures and conventions by making public proposals in the budget before the budget was presented to the House.

Supporting the contention of Mr Mani, Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy alleged that the Finance Minister had committed a grave mistake by announcing certain proposals before the budget was presented to the Assembly.

Mr Chandy also alleged that the Finance Minister's action had destroyed the secrecy of the budget documents and it might lead to hoarding and blackmarketing.

Denying the Opposition allegation, Dr Isaac said he had only mentioned about certain matters connected with the implementation of VAT and the policy guidelines of the new Left Democratic Front(LDF) Government.

Opposition members walked out of the House after Speaker K Radhakrishnan declined leave for the motion in the light of the Minister's reply.

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