New Delhi [India], February 2: Amid strong opposition criticism, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has praised the Union Budget, calling it a significant step toward fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and stressing that the budget benefits not only Bihar but the entire nation.
“PM Modi is worried a lot for the North East and as a result, he is working a lot for the development of people of North East…The budget is not only for Bihar but for the whole nation…This is a very positive and important step towards fulfilling PM Modi’s resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat,'” he said.
“We are thankful that the Makhana Board has been formed…This is a very good budget as it provides benefits to all the sections of society,” Manjhi added.
In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several incentives for Bihar, where assembly elections are expected later this year. These included the development of Greenfield airports in Bihar, expanding the capacity of Patna Airport, and constructing a brownfield airport in Bihta. She also highlighted the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar, which will benefit farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land.
“Financial support will be provided for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, benefitting a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar,” she said.
The opposition parties, however, criticized the budget, accusing the Centre of presenting a plan that specifically catered to Bihar. Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal condemned the budget for overlooking the farmers and people of Punjab.
“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 the legal guarantee for MSP. What did they announce for farmers? Makhana Board. This was an anti-farmer Budget. Farmers who are fighting for their rights were not heard, this is sad,” she said.
Congress MP Manish Tewari also criticized the government, claiming that the budget appeared to be tailored for Bihar alone.
“I fail to understand, was this a budget of the government of India or was this a budget of the government of Bihar? Have you heard the name of another state than Bihar in the entire budgetary speech of the union finance minister?” Tewari told