A Couplet by Finance Minister Jaitley That Took Jibe at Congress

In the early stages of a lengthy budget speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday recited a couplet that drew applause- at least from his party's law-makers.

"Kuch to gul khilaye hain, kuch abhi khilane hain, par baagh mein ab bhi kaante kuchh puraney hain," (We have made some progress and are working towards achieving more goals, but there are some hindrances in the way), Mr Jaitley said, referring to the policies of the Congress-led coalition government that was voted out last year.

BJP law-makers welcomed the couplet by thumping their desks loudly.   

In his budget, Mr Jaitley said the fiscal deficit is seen at 3.9 per cent of GDP in 2015/16 and that his government will meet the challenging fiscal target of 4.1 per cent of GDP.

The Minister said he remains committed to meeting medium term fiscal deficit target of 3 per cent of GDP.  He said GDP growth is seen at between 8 per cent and 8.5 per cent y/y and stressed that he is  aiming  for double-digit growth rate which will be " achievable soon."