Against the backdrop of opposition by allies to various policy decisions, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee conceded that the government had "limited" mandate and would require consensus on major decisions howsoever "strenuous and time consuming" it may be.

He said the government cannot ignore the views of others and would have to carry everyone along on major decisions so as to have lasting impact.

"I do appreciate your anxiety. Sometimes I wonder, perhaps, in thought that this old man has a magic lamp or magic wand and he can address all the contradictory situations and bring out something which is acceptable to all of us. I feel flattered," Mukherjee said in Lok Sabha while replying to debate on General Budget.

"I feel proud when I see that this type of confidence is there in me. But, at the same time, I shall have to keep in mind the ground reality. The ground reality is that we do not have the clear absolute mandate. Yes, we have a mandate but that mandate is limited, which carries others with you," the senior Congress leader added.

Mukherjee, considered the government's trouble-shooter, underlined, "we shall have to carry others with us. Others may not share many of the decisions, which we consider necessary.

But simply I cannot brush aside their perception. However, strenuous and time consuming it may be, I shall have to carry others with us."

His statement assumes significance as some UPA constituents like the Trinamool Congress has forced the government to put on hold a number of decisions, including FDI in multi brand retail and roll back hike in rail fares.

"It is because my ultimate objective is not to win a school debate but to get things done through consensus, which will have more lasting impact and exactly .. I am trying to do this," Mukherjee said.