Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLAs staged a dramatic protest outside the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, alleging that the state’s budget failed to address the needs of the unemployed, youth, farmers, and women. The protesting leaders were seen holding lollipops and toys, symbolizing their claim that the government offered empty promises.
RJD leader Bhai Virendra criticized the budget, stating, “We had conducted a caste census and suggested 75% reservations based on it. But the government didn’t include it in the Ninth Schedule. This double-engine government is only deceiving the public. In the name of a budget, they’ve handed toys to the people — there’s nothing for the unemployed, youth, farmers, or women. The budget has been designed only with elections in mind.”
Echoing this sentiment, RJD MLA Mukesh Raushan slammed the government’s failure to deliver on job creation and welfare. “The youth of Bihar want employment, women want Rs 2,500 in their bank accounts, and people expect 200 units of free electricity — but did anyone get anything? Instead, they’ve been handed lollipops. In the last 20 years, CM Nitish Kumar has done nothing but offer empty promises,” Raushan said.
RJD leader Vijay Samrat also criticized the budget, stating it provided “toys” instead of real development measures for the people.
In contrast, Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the Bihar Budget for 2025-26, calling it a “budget for all-around development.” He praised its focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, highlighting the doubling of scholarships for SC/ST students and the provision of sports, college, and medical facilities in every block.
The Bihar government unveiled a Rs 3.17 lakh crore budget for the 2025-26 financial year — a 13.6% increase from the previous year’s Rs 2.79 lakh crore allocation. Presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary, the budget is seen as a crucial one ahead of the upcoming state elections later this year.
