Govt-Opposition bonhomie in Rajya Sabha as Arun Jaitley tables Budget

NEW DELHI: After days of bitter war of words, a rare spectacle of bonhomie was witnessed today between the Government and Opposition in Rajya Sabha, as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley laid the Union Budget 2016-17.

After entering the House, Jaitley walked towards the seat of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a well-known economist.

Watching this, Singh came mid-way where both greeted each other and engaged in an animated conversation for a few minutes. Deputy Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma also exchnaged pleasantries with Jaitley.

Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh, who was formerly in Congress, earlier went to Singh and greeted him. He also walked up to the seat of Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, where both the leaders chatted briefly.

BJP members were also seen congratulating Jaitley on the Budget. Jaitley as well as BJP spokesperson M J Akbar were seen having a hearty laugh over some issue.

After Jaitley laid the papers, the House was adjourned for the day.