Budget session could be curtailed by assembly poll in 5 states

New Delhi, Feb 25 (PTI) The budget session of Parliamentcould be curtailed in view of the assembly elections withopposition parties like AIADMK and Left parties already takingup the issue with the government.

Sources in the government said the demand is similarfrom other parties as well. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala,Assam and Puduchery are going to elections by May this year.

A clear picture in this regard will emerge only afterthe announcement of the schedule of the elections expected inthe first week of next month.

Sources in the government said this could lead tothe shortening of the recesss period.

As per the current schedule, Parliament will adjournon March 16 and have a three-week recess up to April 4. Later,the second phase would be held till 21st April.

In the changed circumstances, Parliamentary StandingCommittees could be asked to give reports on demands forgrants of various minstries within a week instead of afterthree weeks, sources in the government said.

Such an arrangement had happened earlier when electionsto five states were held in 2006.