Pranab appeals to Indra to give rain, smokers to quit fags | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pranab appeals to Indra to give rain, smokers to quit fags

PTI | By, New Delhi
Feb 26, 2010 05:39 PM IST

He invoked rain god Indra for better monsoon to drive the economy and sought to sprinkle humour in his budget speech by referring to India as a nation of "movie-goers", but Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's efforts did not appear to impress the opposition much.

He invoked rain god Indra for better monsoon to drive the economy and sought to sprinkle humour in his budget speech by referring to India as a nation of "movie-goers", but Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's efforts did not appear to impress the opposition much.

HT Image
HT Image

Unlike the charged speech by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Lok Sabha two days ago, Mukherjee's was read out in one pitch, barring some murmurs when he spoke of schemes for poll-bound West Bengal, but the atmosphere changed when he announced duty enhancement for petroleum products.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

BJP and its NDA allies, along with the Left parties, Samajwadi Party and Lalu Prasad's RJD were up on their feet.

Mukherjee's voice was drowned in the din and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was seen using the ear-phone to listen to him. She even asked Prasad to use the gadget but he soon walked out along with the entire opposition.

"Please do not prevent presentation of the budget. It is a constitutional requirement. Please allow me to read (the budget speech). You have the right to debate and discuss," Mukherjee pleaded, but to no avail.

Interestingly, NDA Working Chairman L K Advani was apparently caught unawares when Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj walked out. As he slowly got up from his seat, Ananth Kumar walked up to him and accompanied him out of the House.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On