Budget Announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh Sparks Critique from Himachal Pradesh Minister

Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, criticized the Union Budget for favoring states with BJP allies, while neglecting urgent needs such as disaster management funds for his own state. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced substantial investments for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, crucial for NDA's political foothold.

In response to the Union Budget's proposals favoring Bihar and Andhra Pradesh—states where crucial BJP allies hold power—Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi expressed disappointment on Tuesday. Negi noted that while such announcements were expected, every state deserves equal access to national resources for balanced development.

Negi criticized the budget as a strategic move to protect the current government rather than addressing the varied needs of all states. 'It was anticipated that this budget would aim to save the government. Every state and Union Territory has equal rights on the Centre's resources,' Negi told ANI, highlighting the lack of allocations for disaster management in Himachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized support for affected areas in her budget speech. She assured that the government would provide assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation in flood-hit Himachal Pradesh, leveraging multilateral development aid.

Key announcements for Bihar included development of an industrial node in Gaya, multiple expressway projects, a new power plant in Pirpainti, and extensive infrastructure investments totaling billions. Additionally, new airports, medical colleges, and sports facilities are slated for the state, alongside expedited requests for external capital investments.

For Andhra Pradesh, Sitharaman reaffirmed commitments under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, promising special financial support, particularly for the Polavaram Irrigation Project and essential infrastructure development. Grants for backward regions and measures to promote industrial growth were also highlighted.