"The Interim Budget is a fine balancing act between the need to restore the economy to its optimum growth path and the constitutional constraints of a pre-election budget. I have no doubt that the continued stimulus for the various flagship programmes of the Government will provide relief to all sections - specially the 'Aam Aadmi'. The benefits of the stimulus package for industry and the export sector announced earlier continue to be available. Our stress on increasing the investment on infrastructure and employment generation has been clearly underlined. All this will result in positive turn around in economic activity and levels of confidence.

Since the UPA Government took over, Aam Aadmi has been the centre of our planning process. This focus continues and the interim budget clearly indicates the next steps. It continues to be a "people's budget".

I compliment the Finance Minister for his effective response to a difficult economic situation."