My Budget: Amish Tripathi

Has Finance Minister P Chidambaram steered the economy out of the woods?
I'm afraid he has not done that. This does not appear a growth-oriented Budget. The Budget has a populist bias. The increased social sector spending may be inflationary. Also, the sources of funds are difficult to understand. Hence, the fiscal numbers would probably be difficult to achieve.

Is this a populist, please-all budget?
I think it is a populist Budget. However, I do not think the industrial sector would see this Budget in too much of a positive light.

Will it help the economy, create jobs, restart stalled projects?
I don't think so. Probably not.

Will it help the UPA win votes in the general elections?
It's a bit difficult to say. If inflation picks up again (remember, only the wholesale price index has come down, the consumer price index remains high), that might cost the United Progressive Alliance government many votes. On the other hand, if the government is actually able to manage the social sector spending well, they might be able to gather votes.

Amish Tripathi, Author