Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has defended the Union Budget amidst opposition criticism, stating that it is not only for Bihar but for the entire nation. He described the budget as a crucial step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
“PM Modi is deeply concerned about the development of the North East and has been working hard to improve the lives of its people. The budget is not just for Bihar, but for the whole nation. This is a very positive and significant move towards fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,'” Manjhi said.
He also expressed gratitude for the formation of the Makhana Board, calling it a positive development, and praised the budget for benefiting all sections of society. “This is a very good budget that provides benefits to everyone,” he added.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech, highlighted several initiatives aimed at benefiting Bihar, which is set to hold assembly elections later this year. These include the development of Greenfield airports, expansion of Patna Airport, and the construction of a brownfield airport in Bihta. Additionally, the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar was mentioned, which aims to support over 50,000 hectares of farmland, benefitting a large number of farmers.
However, opposition parties criticized the budget, accusing the Centre of focusing disproportionately on Bihar. Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal condemned the budget for ignoring the farmers and people of Punjab. “The focus is solely on Bihar, with no mention of Punjab. Farmers in Punjab have been protesting for years over the legal guarantee for MSP (Minimum Support Price). What did they announce for them? The Makhana Board. This is an anti-farmer budget. Farmers fighting for their rights were ignored, and that is disappointing,” she said.
Congress MP Manish Tewari also questioned the budget’s national focus, accusing the Centre of sidelining other states. “I fail to understand, was this the budget of the Government of India or the Government of Bihar? Did you hear the name of any other state in the Finance Minister’s entire speech?” Tewari said.
