The EC later cleared the Budget presentation on the condition that the government will not make any announcements specific to the poll-bound states. Punjab and Goa vote on February 4, while results for all the five states will be announced on March 11. As regards the NITI Aayog, the EC had directed it to defer holding gram sabhas in the five election states. The Model Code of Conduct expects the party in power to not use its position to further its chances in elections. Hence, the government of the day has to refer all decisions to the EC before implementing or announcing them during the election season.

Source: Indian Express January 28, 2017 22:19 UTC