Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has dismissed Opposition claims that Bihar’s budget allocations were politically motivated, asserting that a state with such a high population density and historical significance deserves key infrastructural developments. Speaking to NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, she defended the Centre’s decision to allocate significant resources to Bihar ahead of its upcoming Assembly elections.
During her Budget speech, Sitharaman announced major initiatives for Bihar, including a board to support Makhana production in North Bihar, financial aid for the Western Kosi Canal project in Mithilanchal to enhance irrigation, and expansion plans for IIT Patna. Additionally, the Budget outlined the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology and the development of Greenfield airports to improve air connectivity.
Responding to allegations that the Budget was designed to influence elections in Bihar and Delhi, Sitharaman called it a people-centric Budget, invoking Abraham Lincoln’s famous phrase, “of the people, by the people, for the people.” She pointed out that various states, including Assam, had also received significant allocations, such as funding for a new urea plant.
The Finance Minister stressed Bihar’s cultural and economic importance, highlighting its well-known centers like Nalanda and Rajgir, yet lamenting the absence of a proper international airport. She argued that Bihar, being home to workers who contribute to industries across India, deserves more employment opportunities within the state itself.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the Budget, calling it “progressive and futuristic” and praising its potential to accelerate the state’s economic growth. He emphasized the importance of the proposed Greenfield airports, stating they would enhance air connectivity and pave the way for more international flights.
However, the main opposition party, RJD, remained skeptical. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticized the Budget for not including a special package for Bihar and questioned the lack of details on the Greenfield airports. He argued that the Budget merely repeated past promises without specifying funding or timelines, dismissing the announcements as political rhetoric.