Rail Budget: I regret Trivedi's departure from Cabinet: PM

Congratulating Dinesh Trivedi for presenting a good rail budget, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday regretted his resignation, indicating the complexities related in running a coalition government.

"Dinesh Trivedi presented a good railway Budget. I regret his departure from the Cabinet. I am forwarding Trivedi's resignation to the President," the Prime Minister said, while replying to the President's Address in Parliament.
"We are in a coalition government and would have to seek consensus on all issues. We need to have a consensus as difficult decisions become more difficult as we are running a coalition government," he said.
The Prime Minister also said that the new Railway Minister will be sworn in shortly. "I received Trivedi's email and formal letter of resignation on Sunday night. The New Railway Minister will be inducted soon," Singh said.
On the controversial issue of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Prime Minister said that the government will take steps to tackle terrorism. "NCTC is an important step. State governments should be taken into confidence," he said.
He further added that adequate consultations will take place on NCTC before the Chief Ministers meeting on April 16.
"It will be our sincere effort to resolve differences with states on manner of NCTC functioning," he said.
The Prime Minister said that there are indications that prices are coming under control but we have to be vigilant. "Reduction in fiscal deficit targeted at 5.1 per cent next year. We need broadbased national consensus to push economic growth. Narrow political views need to be eschewed," he said.
"We are aiming for inclusive growth with price stability. Rising cost of fertilisers and oil have affected our balance of payment. Next five year plan will outlay will stress on inclusive growth," he said.