Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday presented the United Progressive Alliance government's first Union Budget.

Chidambaram unveiled a pro-poor Budget -- which also cheered investors with sweeping liberalisation measures -- while assuring economic growth of seven-eight per cent.

The finance minister while giving his Budget speech said his "mantra" would be "maintaining growth with equity."

Finance Minister P Chidambaram followed by the Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimannikkam entering the Parliament.

Photo: Sondeep Shankar/ Saab Press

Budget 2004-05: Complete Coverage

Also see: Chidambaram's charm and FII fears