January 20, 2021 09:37 (IST)

Assembly polls: EC asks govt not to announce state-specific schemes in budget
New Delhi, Jan 24 (IBNS): Keeping the upcoming Assembly polls in several Indian states in mind, the Election Commission on Monday asked the government not to announce any state-specific schemes in the budget.
In a letter to the government, the Commission said: "The Commission hereby directs that in the interest of free and fair elections and in order to maintain level playing field during election, no State specific schemes shall be announced in the National Budget which may have the effect of influencing the electors of the five poll going States in favour of the ruling party (ies)."
Polling will be held Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur from Feb 4 to Mar 8 to elect a new Assemblies.
The verdict of the polls will be announced on Mar 11.
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Centre could present the budget on Feb 1.
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