New Delhi: Finance Minister P Chidambaram today (Jul 8, 2004) said the Union Budget 2004-05 is "totally faithful" to the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government.

"Broadly we are totally faithful to the CMP. On the day I assumed office, I said my priorities are agriculture, manufacturing sector and employment," Chidambaram told reporters.

Refusing to respond to the Opposition criticism of the Budget, he said, "We will do a lot for agriculture, manufacturing sector and overall take steps to promote employment."