I am glad the Budget has been presented, finally. It's a three phase exercise actually. In the first phase, the Media catches hold of anyone willing to talk to know their wish-list about the budget as if the Finance Minister is listening with paper and pen in hand. These experts, semi-experts and non-experts put forth opinions without regard to the fact that no matter what the nation thinks the Minister will structure the budget in alignment with the political (and if Indians are lucky, economical!) agenda.

The second phase is the Budget presentation itself. I guess the only thing about it that is capable of springing a surprise is whether the opposition will listen to it in silence or voice its protest by shouting or staging a 'walk-out'.

The last, post-budget phase, is the one in which the same experts, semi-experts and non-experts will spit out their disappointment. There will be common angry outbursts from the Common Man. At least for a week, the newspapers will overflow with analysis of key budgetary provisions and columns by experts. The words like fiscal deficit, tax base, GDP and so on and so forth will appear with sickening frequency in news and print media. And still, the Common Man will not understand much beyond one simple fact that he already knew even before the budget was presented - there is no relief for him.