The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Rosaiah hints at ‘tax-free’ budget

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Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Rosaiah hints at ‘tax-free’ budget

Staff Reporter

Budget to be presented on Feb. 16

VISAKHAPATNAM: Finance Minister K. Rosaiah has hinted at a ‘tax free’ budget this year.

In an informal chat with the media after inaugurating the ‘Mygaz’ auto LPG filling station here on Tuesday, he said that the budget would be presented in all likelihood on February 16.

A final decision would, however, be taken after consultations with Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

Mr. Rosaiah said that it would be development budget with benefits to all sections of the people as per the 11th Plan.

BC welfare

When his attention was drawn to the ‘BC Garjana’ agitation of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allegation that the Congress had neglected the welfare of BC s, he recalled that it was the Congress that has been hiking the budget for BC welfare year after year.

Dig at Naidu

He said that the people had seen for themselves what Chandrababu Naidu had done for BC welfare during the Telugu Desam Party’s 10-year rule. They would not be deceived by false claims now.

Mr. Rosaiah declined to comment on Telangana saying that it was for the party high command to make statements.

Asked what advice he had for other senior Congress leaders who were issuing conflicting statements on Telangana and tarnishing the image of the party, he quipped, “I am yet to reach a stage where I can advise senior party leaders though I have grown old in age.”

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