Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Feb. The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has emerged as both a ray of hope and a lightning rod for controversy. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has welcomed it with open arms, calling it “progressive and futuristic,” while opposition leaders and political commentators have questioned whether Bihar’s special attention is a genuine step toward development or an electoral strategy. With major announcements such as the establishment of a Makhana Board and the development of greenfield airports, the budget has undoubtedly put Bihar in the spotlight. However, this has not gone down well with certain sections of the opposition, who have accused the Modi government of regional bias. This analysis delves into the key takeaways, the political reactions, and the larger implications of Budget 2025.
What Budget 2025 Brings for Bihar
One of the standout features of this year’s budget is the targeted push towards Bihar’s economic revival. The most talked-about initiative is the creation of a Makhana Board, which is expected to streamline production, marketing, and exports of Bihar’s famed fox nuts. Makhana farming has been a crucial part of the state’s rural economy, and this move is expected to boost farmers’ incomes and expand Bihar’s agro-based industry.
Another significant highlight is the development of greenfield airports in Bihar. The state has long struggled with inadequate air connectivity, limiting both tourism and business expansion. With new airports planned, Bihar is set to see improved accessibility, making it more attractive to investors and travelers alike. Infrastructure development doesn’t stop there—allocations for highways, smart city projects, and industrial growth are also part of the package, indicating a broader strategy to lift Bihar’s economic standing.
For a state that has often been left behind in Bharat’s development story, these provisions mark a transformative shift. However, not everyone sees them in the same light.
Political Reactions: A Tale of Two Perspectives
The budget has been met with jubilation in Bihar, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. On social media, many residents of Bihar have voiced their support, celebrating the newfound attention their state is receiving. But as Bihar cheered, opposition leaders across the country raised objections, some going so far as to call it an unfair distribution of resources.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the Shiromani Akali Dal was one of the first to voice her disappointment, accusing the Modi government of favoring Bihar while ignoring Punjab’s demands, particularly in the agricultural sector. She branded the budget as “anti-farmer,” criticizing the lack of special provisions for Punjab’s agrarian community.
#WATCH | #UnionBudget2025 | Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal says, "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… pic.twitter.com/ipm2MRJPzf
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025
Journalist Sucheta Dalal, who has often aligned with Congress viewpoints, dismissed the budget as an election gimmick. She went so far as to call it a “Bihar Budget,” suggesting that the central government was more focused on winning votes in the upcoming elections than on genuine economic progress. This sentiment was echoed by DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who claimed that this was the first time in her parliamentary career that she had witnessed what felt like a “state budget” being presented at the national level.
Sagarika Ghose, a journalist-turned-politician, took to social media with a reaction that was more exasperated than analytical. Her post, which simply repeated the word “Bihar” multiple times, seemed to encapsulate the frustration of a section of the opposition that found it difficult to articulate why exactly Bihar receiving attention was a problem.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the primary opposition figure in Bihar, issued a standard opposition statement against the budget.
Vaishali, Bihar: On #UnionBudget2025, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, "…Today's budget seems to be discriminatory towards Bihar… I believe this is an anti-rural, anti-poor budget. Bihar is receiving no benefits from it. There was talk about building airports, but there’s no… pic.twitter.com/M5tWSSdp4N
— IANS (@ians_india) February 1, 2025
However, his response lacked the sharp criticism expected from a regional leader. Interestingly, his alliance partners in the I.N.D.I. coalition appeared more agitated than he did, further fueling speculation that their opposition had more to do with political optics than genuine concern for governance.
Is This Budget Truly Biased or Long Overdue?
The backlash against Budget 2025 highlights a persistent contradiction in Bharatiya politics. For years, Bihar has been regarded as one of the most underdeveloped states in the country. It has consistently lagged in industrial growth, infrastructure, and per capita income. When the central government finally takes significant steps to address these issues, why does it become a problem?
The argument that the budget unfairly prioritizes Bihar falls apart when examined closely. Bihar’s development has been long overdue, and this budget attempts to correct years of neglect. It is not favoritism; it is a necessary push toward equalizing regional disparities. Furthermore, the opposition’s claim that this is purely an election-driven move ignores the fact that Bihar’s economic transformation would ultimately benefit the country as a whole.
Opposition leaders who have ruled their respective states for decades should also reflect on their stance. If Punjab, Tamil Nadu, or other states feel left out, why have their own governments not done more to attract investment and development? The Modi government’s focus on Bihar is not an attack on other states; rather, it is an acknowledgment that states with historical disadvantages need a targeted push.
Conclusion: A Progressive Budget, Despite the Noise
Budget 2025 has set the stage for Bihar’s long-overdue transformation. The Makhana Board, greenfield airports, and infrastructure development are not just budgetary allocations; they are investments in Bihar’s future. The political backlash against these measures, while predictable, fails to hold up under scrutiny. Development should not be seen through a regional or partisan lens. If Bihar grows, Bharat grows.
While opposition leaders may continue to cry foul, the people of Bihar have already spoken—the budget has given them a renewed sense of hope. Whether or not the initiatives materialize as promised will be the real test, but for now, Budget 2025 stands as a significant milestone in Bihar’s journey towards progress.
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