Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Union Budget 2025, calling it “positive, progressive, and forward-looking.” He commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her speech in the Lok Sabha, which included several schemes for Bihar ahead of its Assembly elections later this year.
Kumar, who leads the ruling Janata Dal (United)-BJP alliance in Bihar, stated that the budget would “accelerate Bihar’s development and boost the country’s growth.” He particularly appreciated the income tax reforms, including raising the rebate ceiling from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh and revising the new tax regime slabs.
He said, “The middle class has received significant relief. Farmers will benefit from the increased loan limit on Kisan Credit Cards to ₹5 lakh. Additionally, raising the credit guarantee cover for micro enterprises to ₹10 crore will create more employment opportunities.”
Kumar added, “The budget includes many steps for the poor, youth, and farmers, which are highly welcome.”
Sitharaman announced several initiatives for Bihar, such as establishing a Makhana board to boost the lotus nut industry. She also revealed plans for greenfield airports to meet future aviation demands, including international flights.
However, the budget’s focus on Bihar contrasted with the lack of measures for Andhra Pradesh, another key BJP ally. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) rules Andhra Pradesh, and its support, along with the JDU, is crucial for the BJP-led government at the Centre.
Congress criticized this disparity. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh said, “Bihar received a bonanza, but Andhra Pradesh was cruelly ignored.” He sarcastically noted that the sops for Bihar were expected due to the upcoming elections.
Congress leader Manish Tewari also questioned the budget’s focus, asking, “Was this the Government of India’s budget or the Government of Bihar’s? Did the Finance Minister mention any other state in her speech?”
The budget’s emphasis on Bihar comes ahead of a crucial election in the state. Nitish Kumar, known for his political shifts, has alternated between the BJP and opposition alliances in recent years.
In the previous budget, Sitharaman had announced ₹15,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh’s Amaravati development and ₹26,000 crore for Bihar’s road projects, along with promises of new airports and flood mitigation measures.
This year’s budget, however, has sparked debates over regional priorities and electoral motivations.
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