My budget will not hurt common man: Lalu

New Delhi, Feb 13: Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav will be presenting a interim railway budget for the next fiscal year on Friday, Feb 13. The Minister said that he will keep in mind people's welfare and will not hike fares.

"We cannot make many new programmes in this budget, but be assured the welfare of common people will be taken care of," Lalu Prasad told reporters on Thursday, Feb 12.

"And please do not try to connect any announcement with the forthcoming elections. We have always been people-friendly even in the tough time of such economical crisis and will continue to do so if we come back to power again," he said.

"Our government even in tough times has managed to sail through the economic crisis and barring Satyam episode, all remains well in this fiscal," the minister said.

Asked whether there would be any specific announcements, Lalu Prasad said: "Let's not jump to any conclusion and patiently wait for tomorrow (Friday). But be assured that we will not hurt common people."

The Minister is said to have planned for more 'Garib raths' or air conditioned trains fvor poor in his Bihar State and there are also speculations that the existing 15 trains will be increased.

Lalu, since 2004 has presented budgets for the UPA Government and is known for his ability to generate income despite lowering fares.

With the elections days ahead, the minister will present an interim budget and by convention the presentation of the regular budget in an election year is left to a new government.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)