Jharkhand's ruling alliance slams Union Budget, BJP terms it roadmap to Viksit Bharat

The ruling alliance in Jharkhand on Sunday criticised the Union Budget, alleging that it had neglected the state, while the BJPs state unit hailed it as a visionary step towards building a developed India by 2047.

The ruling alliance in Jharkhand on Sunday criticised the Union Budget, alleging that it had neglected the state, while the BJP's state unit hailed it as a visionary step towards building a developed India by 2047. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal in Parliament earlier in the day. State Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore claimed that the state had been grossly neglected in the Budget. ''In the Union Finance Minister's Budget speech, no new railway lines, no new passenger trains were announced for Jharkhand, nor was any place given to agriculture, irrigation, and social sectors,'' the Congress leader said. Kishore claimed they had placed several demands including Rs 5,000 crore to cover up additional burden on Jharkhand under VB-G RAM G (earlier MGNREGA) scheme, Rs 1.36 lakh-crore in outstanding dues owed by various coal companies and tourism development package during a pre-Budget consultation with the Centre. ''The Union government sidelined all Jharkhand's demands completely,'' Kishore added. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) general secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey alleged that the state's interest was completely ignored in the Budget. ''Jharkhand's minerals contribute significantly to the country's economy, yet the state has been neglected. The Budget has focused only on BJP-ruled states, which is not appropriate,'' Pandey alleged. Senior Congress leader Rajesh Thakur said, ''The Budget has nothing for the common man. It doesn't discuss employment and there is no mention of reducing inflation.'' He said the state with over 40 per cent mineral reserves found no place in rare earth corridor announced in the Union Budget. Jharkhand BJP leaders hailed the Union Budget. Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Arjun Munda said, ''The Budget aligns with the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It presents a clear blueprint for India's future. This budget places the needs of villages, the poor, farmers, laborers, and ordinary citizens at its core. Giving priority to employment generation, it announces the creation of new opportunities and sources so that the country can become self-reliant and empowered.'' Jharkhand BJP chief Aditya Sahu termed it an inclusive, development-oriented, and employment-focused Budget. ''This Budget focuses on developing basic infrastructure such as railways, roads, health, and small and cottage industries,'' he said. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi said, ''This Budget is for building a developed India. It will help realise the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi. It places a strong emphasis on employment generation.'' Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) expressed mixed views on the Budget. ''Augmentation of mental health institute in Ranchi is a welcoming step. For the overall development of the state, priority should have been given to the comprehensive expansion of infrastructure, communication networks, expressways, and the railway network,'' FJCCI president Aditya Malhotra said. RSB Global MD SK Behera termed the budget a blueprint that shifts India's manufacturing story from 'participation' to 'dominance.' ''For the automotive and engineering sectors, the Budget addresses the three pillars of modern manufacturing, connectivity, technology, and liquidity,'' he said.

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