Bihar leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expressed gratitude following key announcements in the Union Budget 2025, particularly those aimed at the state’s development. However, opposition parties, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Trinamool Congress, criticized the budget, accusing the government of political favoritism and neglecting important issues.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai lauded the creation of the Makhana Board, calling it a significant step for the state’s welfare. “This budget is for the poor, farmers, and the middle class. It will generate employment opportunities, and the announcement of the Makhana Board, along with the projects for the Kosi River region, will benefit Bihar greatly. I thank Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman on behalf of the people of Bihar,” Rai said.
BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy described the budget as balanced, non-inflationary, and designed to boost infrastructure and social welfare. He particularly highlighted the initiatives for Bihar, including airports, IITs, and educational projects. “After the 2015 package, this is a new proposal for Bihar. The state has been lagging behind in many areas, and these announcements, especially the Makhana Board, are a step in the right direction,” Rudy stated.
Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal also commended the budget, emphasizing the focus on Bihar’s needs, including proposals for a new airport under the Udan scheme, a medical college, and an expressway. “Bihar has been taken great care of in this budget, and the central government is supporting the state’s development,” he said.
Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha praised the Greenfield airport announcement for Bihar and the establishment of the Makhana Board. “Mithila and Kosi areas produce 85-90% of the world’s Makhana, and there is a global demand for it. The Western Kosi irrigation system and food-processing institute announcements are positive steps for Bihar’s growth,” he said. He also welcomed the tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh.
Despite these positive remarks from NDA leaders, opposition parties swiftly criticized the budget. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the government of deceiving Bihar. “Bihar is being treated unfairly in this budget. What was announced in the past has just been repeated again. This budget is anti-village, anti-rural, and anti-poor. Bihar hasn’t received any meaningful benefits,” Yadav said. He also questioned the Greenfield airport proposal, noting that there was no clear timeline or budget allocation for it.
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee claimed that the budget was presented with Bihar’s upcoming elections in mind. “There is nothing for the common man. Everything has been given to Bihar because of the elections. For the last 10 years, BJP has been in power, and Bengal hasn’t received anything,” Banerjee said, criticizing the focus on Bihar while other states, like West Bengal, were overlooked.
Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal also expressed frustration, stating that the Union Budget seemed heavily focused on Bihar, with little attention given to other states like Punjab. “The budget is all about Bihar, as elections are approaching. There was no mention of Punjab or the issues facing farmers, who have been protesting for a legal guarantee on MSP for years. This budget is anti-farmer,” Badal argued.
As the Union Budget 2025 continues to stir debate, it’s clear that while Bihar’s development initiatives have been welcomed by the ruling NDA, the opposition sees it as a politically motivated move ahead of upcoming elections.
