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Mamata's Delhi Trip Forces Bengal Budget Session Reschedule

The West Bengal Assembly's budget session has been rescheduled to begin on February 3 instead of January 31 due to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's planned visit to Delhi. The state will present a Vote on Account, not a full Budget, as assembly elections are due this year. Banerjee's Delhi agenda is believed to focus on building opposition consensus against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Her trip follows political rallies in Singur by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and herself, setting the stage for a heated election season.

Key Points: Bengal Budget Session Rescheduled Due to Mamata's Delhi Visit

  • Session start shifted from Jan 31 to Feb 3
  • Vote on Account instead of full Budget
  • Mamata to visit Delhi after Singur rally
  • Delhi agenda includes SIR electoral roll concerns
  • Potential INDIA alliance meetings on cards
2 min read

Bengal: Budget session schedule revised due to Mamata Banerjee's Delhi visit

West Bengal Assembly budget session pushed to Feb 3 as CM Mamata Banerjee travels to Delhi, likely for opposition talks on electoral rolls.

"the revised timetable provides for the session to begin on February 3 - Assembly Official"

Kolkata, Jan 27

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's sudden decision to travel to New Delhi has prompted major changes in the schedule of the upcoming budget session of the West Bengal Assembly, sources said on Tuesday.

According to the earlier plan, the budget session was scheduled to begin on January 31. However, sources in the Assembly Secretariat confirmed that the commencement has now been shifted to February 3.

As Assembly elections are due this year, the state government will not present a full Budget; instead, it will bring a Vote on Account.

An official of the Legislative Assembly said the revised timetable provides for the session to begin on February 3, following which the House will be adjourned for the day after condolence references, in keeping with established practice.

The Assembly will remain closed the next day on account of Shab‑e‑Barat, and the government will present the Vote on Account on February 5.

The session will reconvene the following day, when discussions on the financial proposals may take place. February 9 is likely to be the concluding day of the session.

Meanwhile, the rescheduling has coincided with significant political developments in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed a rally in Singur in the Hooghly district.

Soon after, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to Singur was announced, where she is slated to hold a public meeting on Wednesday.

Political circles believe she may respond to the Prime Minister's comments from the venue. Following the meeting, Banerjee is expected to leave for Delhi.

Political analysts also view her Delhi visit as crucial. It is widely believed that Banerjee may raise the issue of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the national capital.

With the Assembly elections approaching, observers are watching whether she will hold meetings with partners of the INDIA alliance, particularly the Congress.

Sources said Banerjee's primary objective is to build consensus among opposition parties against the SIR exercise currently underway in several states, including West Bengal.

A West Bengal cabinet member, who declined to be named, said the duration of her Delhi stay has not been finalised. However, the Chief Minister intends to remain in the national capital during the upcoming Budget session of Parliament, as senior leaders and MPs of key opposition parties will be present there.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a Bengali, I feel governance is taking a backseat to political rallies and Delhi trips. The assembly schedule is being juggled, and only a Vote on Account is being presented. What about long-term planning for the state? The focus seems entirely on the elections now.
R
Rohit P
The SIR issue is serious. If there are genuine concerns about voter list manipulation, the CM is right to raise it at the national level. This Delhi visit is more important than a truncated budget session. Jai Hind!
A
Andrew M
Observing from outside, it's fascinating how state-level politics in India are so intricately linked to national alliances. The schedule revision for religious observance (Shab-e-Barat) also shows the cultural considerations in governance.
M
Meera T
The tit-for-tat rallies in Singur! PM Modi goes, then Didi announces her meeting. Now Delhi. It's like a political chess match. Hope the actual work for Bengal's people doesn't get lost in all this. 🤞
K
Karthik V
While the political maneuvering is expected before elections, I respectfully disagree with the last-minute rescheduling of the assembly. It sets a poor precedent. The legislative calendar should be more stable and respected, regardless of individual leaders' travel plans.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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