New Delhi: The Union Funds for the monetary yr 2024-25, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Tuesday, has introduced substantial allocations for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. That is the primary finances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third time period and the seventh for Sitharaman as Finance Minister. The finances has raised questions and sparked debates, with some labeling it as a finances aimed extra at political features moderately than nationwide improvement. Listed here are 10 key factors explaining why Bihar and Andhra Pradesh obtained important allocations and the controversies surrounding it:
Main Bulletins for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced an allocation of ₹58,900 crores for varied improvement initiatives in Bihar and ₹15,000 crores for the event of Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Amaravati, and different initiatives. This important allocation has been seen as a serious boon for the states led by JD(U) President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and TDP Chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Political Context:
Each Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu are allies of the ruling NDA on the Heart. With the BJP falling wanting a majority by itself, needing the help of those regional events, the allocations are seen as a strategic transfer to safe their continued alliance and help.
Opposition’s Allegations:
The opposition has criticized the finances, accusing the Modi authorities of political favoritism. Congress MP and Chief of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, referred to as it a “save the chair” finances, aimed toward appeasing political allies and enterprise associates on the expense of different states.
Claims of Regional Bias:
Numerous opposition leaders, together with Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, and P. Chidambaram from Congress, and Akhilesh Yadav from SP, have criticized the finances for being biased. They’ve alleged that it neglects different areas and states, focusing solely on BJP’s political allies.
Reward from Allies:
Regardless of the criticism, BJP and its allies have praised the finances. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu thanked PM Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Bihar’s Union Minister Giriraj Singh welcomed the finances, calling it a “blessing” for Bihar.
Substantial Allocations for Bihar:
The finances consists of ₹26,000 crores for varied street initiatives in Bihar, together with expressways connecting Patna-Purnia and Buxar-Bhagalpur. It additionally allocates ₹21,400 crores for a 2400 MW energy challenge in Pirpainti and ₹11,500 crores for flood aid and administration.
Growth of Cultural and Spiritual Websites:
The finances mentions the event of Mahabodhi Temple and Vishnupad Temple in Bihar, akin to the Kashi Vishwanath Hall. Moreover, new medical schools, airports, and sports activities infrastructure will probably be developed in Bihar.
Assist for Andhra Pradesh:
The finances allocates ₹15,000 crores for Andhra Pradesh below the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act. This consists of funds for vital infrastructure like water, energy, railways, and roads, together with monetary help for the completion of the Polavaram irrigation challenge and the event of backward areas.
Strategic Significance of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh:
The numerous allocations are seen as a strategic transfer by the BJP to take care of its political alliances. Within the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP secured 240 seats, falling wanting the bulk mark of 272. TDP and JD(U) gained 16 and 12 seats respectively, making their help essential for the BJP’s authorities formation.
Balancing Political Calls for:
Whereas Bihar and Andhra Pradesh didn’t obtain the Particular Standing they’ve lengthy demanded, the substantial finances allocations function a compensatory measure. This transfer ensures that the BJP retains the political help of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, essential allies within the NDA coalition.
