Comments of Shri L.K. Advani, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
on the Union Budget 2008-09

The Finance Minister has at the end of his speech quoted the immortal words of Saint Tiruvalluvar that generous grants, compassion, righteous rule and succor to the down-trodden are the hallmarks of good governance. I am surprised that the Finance Minister has been reminded of these immortal words only in the last year of his office. This government came into power on the slogan of the aam admi. But, it is the aam admi, especially the aam aurat who has suffered the most during the last four years as a result of back-breaking price-rise and insecurity of life and limb. The farmers have suffered no end as a result of agrarian distress and thousands of them have been compelled to commit suicide during the last four years. All these years, the government has merely looked on. Now, in the last year of their office, they are reminding us of the elements of good governance. I have no doubt that people will easily see through this charade.

The highlight of the budget, namely, the waiver of farm loans has come too late. It is also insufficient. A large number of farmers in our country have taken loans from private money- lenders. Arrangements should have been made to provide relief to them also. The rate of interest on farm loans should also have been reduced to 4%. The farmer should also have been covered under an assured income insurance scheme.

Farm loans are supposed to be remitted by 30th June this year, but the Finance Minister has said nothing about the administrative arrangements needed for such an exercise.

I am also surprised at the heavy communal overtones of the budget. It is a throw back to the Liaqat Ali days, the consequences of which are well-known.

So far, the record of this government has been one of being long on promise and short on delivery. This year may not be any different.

************