India's United Progressive Alliance, which assumed power in May 2004 with the support of the Left parties, was expected to bring about major changes in economic policies in favour of the poor. The question which naturally arises therefore is whether their expectations have been fulfilled or whether the government too is framing policies favourable to the richer segments of the population. This paper attempts to find an answer to this question by analysing the recent budget and the two previous budgets presented by the Union Finance Minister.
