Debate Heats Up Over Bihar's Union Budget Allocation

The NDA government claims unprecedented financial assistance for Bihar in the Union budget, setting the stage for next year's assembly polls. The opposition, however, argues the state was given a raw deal and continues to demand special category status. Both sides extensively debate the budget's impact on Bihar's future.

The ruling NDA in Bihar on Tuesday asserted that the Centre has "opened the coffers" for the state, announcing unprecedented assistance in the Union budget, which sets the agenda for next year's assembly polls.

However, the opposition believes that despite Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s influence, the Union government has shortchanged Bihar, declaring the demand for special category status remains non-negotiable.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary emphasized that an unprecedented help was announced for Bihar, extending thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including RJD, Congress, and the Left, staged a walkout in protest against the denial of special status.

Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav condemned the budget as lacking a revival plan for the state, insisting on the need for special status and packages to combat Bihar's backwardness and migration issues.

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary praised the budget, highlighting future developments like expressways and new power plants, asserting it addresses multiple state needs, from flood control to tourism development.

Opposition voices, including CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurav, accused the Centre of cheating Bihar, predicting a significant backlash in the next assembly polls if substantial assistance isn't granted.