Bihar Budget Bill Passed Amid Opposition Walkout

The Bihar assembly passed an appropriation bill enabling the withdrawal of Rs 3.21 lakh crore from the state's budget for 2025-26, despite opposition walkout. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary emphasized development and fiscal stability, countering criticisms of engaging in caste politics. Substantial funds were allocated for women empowerment schemes.

The Bihar assembly on Monday successfully passed an appropriation bill enabling the withdrawal of an annual budgetary provision amounting to Rs 3.21 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. The bill was passed by voice vote amid vociferous protests and a walkout by opposition legislators dissatisfied with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's response during the debate.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also holds the finance department portfolio, reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the focus remains on development and infrastructural improvement in the state. The government announced plans for 350 new degree colleges and substantial funding for women empowerment schemes as part of their fiscal strategy.

Choudhary rejected accusations of engaging in caste politics, emphasizing that their politics is ideology-driven, aimed at uniting society and serving the national interest. He also highlighted the NDA government's achievements in economic management and law enforcement, signaling a departure from the state's past under previous administrations. The opposition's discontent culminated in a walkout during the session.

(With inputs from agencies.)