Commenting on the on-going speculations about the fiscal deficit this financial, Sinha said, ``we are confident that all media speculations will be put to rest after my Budget speech. How can you decide the winner of the race before the race finishes. We have not yet come out with the revised estimate. There has been needless speculation since November about a huge fiscal deficit.''

Visibly annoyed, the finance minister added, ``Manmohan Singh, regarded as the most successful finance minister, had the fiscal deficit fixed at 5.5 per cent and by 1993-94 the deficit touched 7.4 per cent. Similarly,during Chidambaram's regime, who was also regarded as a great finance minister, the deficit was put at 4.5, however, it turned out to be over six per cent. We will not only meet our target but we will also perform better than that. You wait and see.'' When asked about the condition of stock exchanges, particularly their fluctuation, Sinha said, ``SEs are meant to fluctuate. If they do not nobody will invest in them. See also the condition of exchanges the world over. The capital market will get a package in the coming Budget and steps will be taken to further strengthen it.'' However, Sinha, refused to divulge the details of the package.

When asked whether the government was contemplating reducing interest rates of the Provident Fund accounts, the finance minister said, ``I am not here to give clarification on what the media has speculated.'' On the comments made by the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch on the current economic policy of the country, Sinha said, ``absolutely no comment. They are our friends and theyhave the right to speak out.'' Sinha also said that Vananchal state would be created and the Planning Commission is working on packages for Bihar and Vananchal.