Exclusive Jaitley's wife: 'Don't expect miracles from the Budget'

At 6 pm on Wednesday, Dolly Jaitley, wife of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was sitting pretty in the comfort of her home and talking to visitors about anything but the Budget, which her husband will present in Parliament on Thursday. Inside the finance minister's house in New Delhi Kailash Colony there are no signs of any hurly-burly that’s portrayed on television screens and newspapers about and around the Budget.

In an exclusive interview to rediff.com she said, “I have full confidence in my husband to do a good job. He has been working very hard. He was leaving home early morning and returning late at night.”

When asked, as a homemaker and wife of the finance minister what’s her expectations are from the Budget, she said, “In view of our economic condition, I expect bitter-sweet Budget. I think the Budget will be good for the country. It can be bitter but may be sweet, too.”

When asked about her personal expectation from her husband's Budget, she said, “My husband has not discussed the Budget with me. But anybody, rich or poor, prices affect us all. I am sure that prices will come down. There have been raids on hoarders and I think the government is working to control prices.”

She added, “The prices of vegetables and fruits are high. The market is volatile. As I said I haven’t discussed the Budget with my husband but this Budget will do to me what it will do to the ordinary citizen.”

Dolly’s father Giridharilal Dogra was a well-known Congressman from Jammu and Kashmir. For more than 25 years he presented the state Budget as deputy chief minister from 1948 to 1975. He has created history in the state by presenting the maximum number of Budgets.

Dolly’s less-than-exciting attitude is understandable as now her husband will present his maiden Budget at 11 am on Thursday.

Before ending the short talk, Dolly, quite political savvy wife, emphatically adds, “I must say that people should not expect miracles. It will take 2/3 years to put the economy on track. When it happens we all will be smiling and will be looking up.”