The Union Budget 2025 has sparked strong criticism from opposition MPs, particularly over the government’s focus on Bihar, with some accusing the Centre of neglecting the development of other states. While the Finance Minister’s speech included several announcements benefiting Bihar, opposition leaders questioned whether the budget was designed for the whole country or aimed at bolstering electoral prospects in Bihar.
Congress MP Manish Tewari raised concerns over the budget’s state-centric focus. “Was this a budget for the government of India or the government of Bihar? Throughout the Finance Minister’s speech, there was hardly any mention of states other than Bihar,” Tewari said. He suggested that the BJP’s reliance on Bihar’s Janata Dal (United) support led to this biased allocation of resources. “This government is on crutches. To keep this alliance intact, the government ignored the development needs of other states,” he added.
When questioned about tax exemptions in the budget, Tewari emphasized the need for a more detailed review of the proposals. “The tax assertions made by the Finance Minister need further examination,” he noted.
Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal also expressed discontent, accusing the government of neglecting Punjab and farmers. “The budget focuses only on Bihar, with no mention of Punjab, where farmers have been protesting for a legal guarantee on MSP. What did the government announce for them? The Makhana Board. This is an anti-farmer budget,” Badal said, criticizing the lack of focus on the ongoing struggles of farmers in Punjab.
Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha welcomed the provisions for Bihar but questioned whether the budget was politically motivated. “While the announcements for Bihar are appreciated, it’s clear that elections are approaching, and the budget seems tailored to benefit Bihar. Infrastructure development is good, but is it enough? Where are the special packages we were promised? This budget feels like a ‘lollipop’ ahead of elections,” Sinha said. He also expressed disappointment with the income tax exemption limit, suggesting it should have been raised to Rs 15 lakh instead of Rs 12 lakh.
On the other hand, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy defended the Centre’s decisions, asserting that the budget addresses Bihar’s long-standing needs. “Bihar has lagged behind in several areas, and after the 2015 package, this budget brings new proposals such as airports, IITs, education, and the Makhana Board. Bihar deserves this support,” Rudy said.
In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several measures targeting Bihar, where elections are expected later this year. These included the establishment of Greenfield airports, expansion of Patna Airport, and a brownfield airport in Bihta. Sitharaman also highlighted the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, aimed at benefiting farmers in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region, and the creation of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management to boost food processing in the Eastern region.
Additionally, Sitharaman introduced significant tax relief, including a proposal that no income tax would be payable on income up to Rs 12 lakh, providing relief to middle-class taxpayers. However, this exemption is contingent on meeting certain criteria, such as claiming deductions under various sections of the income tax act, including exemptions for home loan interest.
As the debate continues, opposition parties maintain that the budget reflects political calculations in Bihar, while the NDA leadership defends the measures as long-overdue support for a state that has faced historical development challenges.
