From the gallery: 5 questions to Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress

You didn’t seem satisfied with the minister’s reply.

The minister said Railways was getting a lot of money. Our concern was how the organisation plans to repay the large amounts. The minister did not answer that.

Are you saying Railways might be staring at a potential debt trap?
I am saying any kind of financing should be sustainable.

What was your objection to the minister enumerating how much state-wise allocation the rail budget has done?

The minister said allocation to states has been doubled. The plan size has increased allocation of 52 per cent, so naturally allocation would be more. It is not right to project as if the allocation in previous years was less.

Don’t you think the budget intends to increase investment

It is natural because of a huge plan size, aided by a bigger Gross Budgetary Support from Centre.

Would you say you do not support the principal idea of this Budget?

The minister’s reply did not address our concerns. Railways should eat only as much as it can digest.

Source:: Indian Express