Union Budget meant for Bihar, not India, says SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal

The Union Budget 2025 has triggered a heated political debate, with opposition leaders criticising it for being overly focused on Bihar ahead of the state elections, while leaders from Bihar’s ruling parties welcomed the allocations. The budget’s emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, and taxation relief for Bihar has led to sharp reactions from both supporters and critics.

Opposition Slams Bihar-Centric Budget

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal strongly criticised the budget, calling it an “anti-farmer” budget that ignored the ongoing farmers’ protests. “Look at the names of the states—only Bihar, Bihar, Bihar. There was no mention of Punjab,” she said. Badal also pointed out that while farmers have been protesting for a legal guarantee on MSP for four years, the only announcement for agriculture was a Makhana Board. “Farmers fighting for their rights were not heard. This is sad,” she added.

Congress MP Manish Tewari echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether the budget was for the entire country or just Bihar. “Have you heard the name of another state than Bihar in the entire budgetary speech of the Union Finance Minister?” he asked, highlighting what he saw as an imbalance in budgetary allocations.

BJP and JD(U) Defend Budget’s Bihar Focus

Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal defended the budget, stating that it addresses key development issues in Bihar. “There is a discussion in the budget about starting an airport under the Udan scheme, building a medical college, and constructing an expressway. The central government is helping in every way for the development of Bihar,” Jaiswal said.

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha welcomed the budget, calling it a “huge announcement” for Bihar. “A greenfield airport will be developed, a Makhana Board will be formed, and the Western Kosi irrigation system—a long-pending demand—has been addressed. The global demand for Makhana is rising, and this move will greatly benefit farmers in the Mithila and Kosi regions. Additionally, a food-processing institute has also been announced,” Jha stated. He also highlighted taxation relief up to Rs 12 lakh as a major benefit for the people of Bihar.

Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey thanked the central government for forming a Makhana Board, which has been a long-standing demand of farmers in the state. “Farmers cultivating foxnuts have been requesting a board similar to the Tea Board and Rubber Board. This dream has finally been fulfilled,” he said. The move is expected to boost the Makhana industry, benefiting thousands of farmers and tapping into growing global demand.

The Union Budget 2025 has sparked a political storm, with opposition leaders accusing the government of election-focused spending while BJP and JD(U) leaders defend the allocations as necessary for Bihar’s growth. Whether this Bihar-centric approach is a strategic move ahead of the state elections or a genuine push for development remains a topic of debate. As the election season approaches, the impact of these announcements on Bihar’s economy and political landscape will be closely watched.