Lok Sabha okays Rs 89.25 lakh cr spend sans a debate

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved spending of Rs 89.25 lakh crore for the next fiscal year by a voice vote — without any discussion – in 30 minutes straight, amid the pandemonium created by BJP's own ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also moved 21 amendments to the Finance Bill, containing taxation proposals. They were also approved by voice vote, as was the Appropriation Bill which detailed spending plans for 99 government ministries and departments.

The speed with which the government finished the financial business in a single day indicates its intent to wind up the session. The budget and the Bills to go with it now are required to be moved in the Rajya Sabha, which is supposed to approve them within two weeks. But the Constitution allows clearance of the finance business without the Rajya Sabha's nod.

The Opposition alleged that the government was trying to escape from debating issues such as the PNB bank scam, Rafale aircraft deal and farmers' plight. As per original schedule, the House has to sit till April 6.