Union Budget 2025: Bihar Gets the 'Bonanza' Ahead of Assembly Polls; Andhra Pradesh “Cruelly Ignored” says the Opposition

Bihar took center stage in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech on Saturday, with a series of major announcements aimed at boosting the state's development. These included the establishment of a new Makhana Board, the creation of a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management, as well as infrastructure projects such as the expansion of Patna airport and the introduction of Greenfield airports.

Among the notable announcements, Sitharaman revealed that a Makhana Board would be established in Bihar to support Makhana (fox nut) farmers. “The people engaged in these activities will be organised into FPOs. The board will provide handholding and training support to Makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant government schemes,” she said. The new board aims to help farmers in northern Bihar access various government schemes and improve the production and processing of Makhana, a regional specialty.

The Finance Minister also highlighted the development of greenfield airports in Bihar, which will enhance the state’s civil aviation infrastructure. In addition, the expansion of Patna airport and the funding of the West Kosi Canal project were announced as part of efforts to improve the region's infrastructure. “Financial support will also be provided for the western Kosi Canal, benefiting 50,000 hectares in Mithilanchal region in Bihar,” she added.

Sitharaman also spoke about boosting education in Bihar, mentioning the expansion of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Patna. The Finance Minister’s attire, a sari featuring traditional Madhubani art from Bihar, was also noted, reportedly gifted to her by Padma Shree awardee Dulari Devi.

These announcements come at a critical moment for Nitish Kumar, who has held onto his position as Chief Minister despite numerous political shifts. With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, the BJP is eager to secure a victory in the state, where the JDU, led by Kumar, plays a central role in the ruling coalition.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai has praised the 2025 Union Budget for prioritizing Bihar, emphasizing the welfare of the poor, farmers, and the middle class. "Bihar has also got priority and big projects have been announced for the state. This budget is for the welfare of the poor, farmers, and to help the middle class... This budget is such that it will generate employment opportunities," said Rai.

"Bihar has been taken care of in the budget. There is a discussion in the budget about starting an airport under the Udan scheme for Bihar, building a medical college, and an expressway. Bihar has been taken great care of in the budget. The central government is helping in every way for the development of Bihar,” said Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal.

However, the government’s focus on Bihar has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the timing of the announcements, noting the upcoming elections in Bihar. "Bihar appears to have got a bonanza of announcements. It is natural since elections are due there later in the year. But why is the other pillar of the NDA, namely Andhra Pradesh, been so cruelly ignored?" he asked.

Criticism also came from Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who pointed out the lack of focus on other states. "Look at the names of the states - Bihar, which is going to elections. Only Bihar, Bihar, Bihar. There was no mention of Punjab. Farmers are sitting in protest for the past 4 years over legal guarantee for MSP. What did they announce for farmers? Makhana Board. This was an anti-farmer Budget. Farmers who are fighting for their rights were not heard, this is sad..." Badal remarked.

Congress MP Manish Tewari also voiced his concerns, expressing disbelief over the budget's focus on Bihar. "I fail to understand, was this a budget of the government of India or was this a budget of the government of Bihar? Have you heard the name of another state than Bihar in the entire budgetary speech of the union finance minister?" Tewari questioned.​