Srinagar, Feb. 5 -- Abdullah, who began pre-budget consultations with legislators and chairpersons of district development councils (DDCs) on Wednesday, stressed that the budget would be shaped by public aspirations and not limited to bureaucratic decisions.

"You have won your elections because people have placed their trust in you. Their expectations are tied to your leadership, and through this meeting, we aim to align budget priorities with the hopes of those who voted and participated in the democratic process," he told the elected representatives, including DDC chairpersons and MLAs.

Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, held pre-budget consultations in Jammu via video conferencing joined in by MLAs from Anantnag, Budgam,...