COMMENTS NO: YEAR/2012/12

"KING:'As UPA-II is looking somewhat weaker than before, after the recent Assembly poll results of 5 states and due to fresh rebellions from some of its key allies; so, what is the main confusion or challenge for Pranab Mukherjee for the Budget of 2012-13?' HERMIT:'Pranab Mukherjee is confused about one thing that whether he will go for a populist budget this year or next year. But, I will suggest that Pranab Mukherjee should go for a strict budget this year to recover as much as possible to reduce the fiscal deficit by March 2013. After the March 2013, he will have enough reserves to go for a populist budget to retain the Congress vote-banks for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.'"-Arindam Sain