Saturday, February 26 2005 16:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Feb 26, 2005) said that there was no breach of privilege of Parliament committed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in writing a letter to Government ahead of the General Budget to be presented in the Lok Sabha on Monday (Feb 28).

"What is breach of privilege. These are all discussions within the Government system outlining Government's thinking without revealing anything substantial," he told reporters in the Parliament House after Railway Minister Laloo Prasad presented the Rail Budget 2005-06.

He was replying to questions on Gandhi's 'wish-list' seeking a National Rural Health Mission, Urban Renewal Mission, Education Cess to go into non-lapsable fund, a Rs 2450 crore road package for the North East and a special package for textile, leather and handicrafts among others to be considered in the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government's General Budget.

Asked if the letter has caused any impropriety and that whether it could have waited till Monday, the Prime Minister said, "I think no impropriety has been committed".