CM lauds Lalu; terms it 'poor man's Budget'

Chennai, Feb 27 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today lauded Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and said 'the poor man's Budget' was very rich in its content.

In a letter to Mr Prasad, a copy of which was released to the media here, he said the Budget covered all sections of the society right from milk and vegetable farmers, women and senior citizens and the business community.

''It is a remarkable budget as there is no hike in fare. In fact there is reduction in tariff,'', he added He said the Budget allocation for the state was Rs 715.52 crore for 2007-08 as against Rs 446.22 crore last year.

Provision of considerable amount for major on-going projects like richy-Nagore-Karaikal, Quilon-Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur, Villuppuram-Katpadi, Trichy-Manamadurai and Villuppuram- Mayiladuthurai, introduction of five new trains, sanction of two new broad gauge lines, two gauge conversion projects and survey for four new lines for Tamil Nadu will be received well by the people of the state, Mr Karunanidhi said.

He said the sanction of Rs three crore for the Salem Railway Division and the announcement that it would function in a full-fledged manner within three months would gladden the people of the state.

UNI