Koda praises railway budget, oppn terms it ''imbalanced''

Ranchi, Feb 26 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda and allies of ruling UPA today praised Railway Minister Lalu Prasad's budget, while opposition termed it as 'imbalanced,' saying it was merely an attempt to cheat the people.

Mr Koda eulogised the Railway minster's effort saying the budget was progressive. He appreciated the slash in ticket fares.

The Chief Minister, however, felt more trains were required for the state and said he would urge the Railway Minister to ensure fast implementation of the pending projects in the state.

Reacting strongly to the budget, Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda (BJP) said the budget only dampened the people's aspirations as it was Jharkhand friendly.

Mr Munda, also the leader of opposition, said Jharkhand, being the major revnue generator, was given only one new train which was negligible.

State Congress President Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu said the budget was balanced and for common man, howwever, more new trains should have been announced for the state.

The state RJD also praised Mr Prasad's budget.

CPI(ML) polit buro member and in-charge of Jharkhand Swadesh Bhattacharya criticised it saying it was typical of Lalu to mislead people in ways which were actually an effort to privatise the railways.

UNI