No Delhi-specific schemes in Union Budget, EC tells Centre after announcing poll dates

CEC Rajiv Kumar

The Union Budget, set to be presented on February 1, can’t have Delhi-specific announcements, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has said after announcing February 5 as the polling date for the 70-member House.

As per the EC's directive, the Budget cannot include any specific schemes or announcements that could influence voters in the national capital, in adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.

Addressing a press conference on January 7, the CEC said Delhi would vote on February 5, four days after the Budget, and counting of votes will be done on February 8.

With the announcement of the poll schedule, model code of conduct kicks in which prevents the administration from taking any decision that can influence the poll outcome.

Responding to a media query, Kumar said the poll panel would write to the Cabinet Secretary that the Budget can’t have policy decisions specifically made for the capital.