Lalu to read Rail Budget, come what may

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav [ Images ] is a relaxed man, seemingly impervious to the opposition parties' threat to boycott the Railway Budget to be presented in Parliament on July 6.

Relaxing at the sprawling official residence of his wife, Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, Lalu says: "I will present and read the Rail Budget whether any one listens to it or not. I am not bothered, nor will I take notice of those threaten who are threatening to boycott the Rail Budget."

In his own colourful style, Lalu says he cares two hoots about the plans by the Bharatiya Janata Party [ Images ] and other constituents of the National Democratic Alliance to disrupt Parliament proceedings over the issue of removal of 'tainted ministers.'

"I will present the Rail Budget without any trouble," he assures.

He also hints that his maiden Rail Budget will be people-oriented. "I won't disclose anything about it as it is a people's budget," he says.