As the curtain rose on Budget 2024, the spotlight shone brightly on the Finance Minister’s generous offerings for two key states – Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. It was a strategic move that left many scratching their heads, wondering if this was a case of “kursi bachao” (saving seats) or a genuine commitment to regional development.
Andhra Pradesh steals the limelight
The Finance Minister wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room – the need for a capital city in Andhra Pradesh. Recognizing the state’s unique predicament, she announced a whopping ₹15,000 crore package, with the promise of more to come in future years. This was music to the ears of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, whose party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is a crucial ally in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
But the goodies didn’t stop there. The budget also earmarked funds for the much-awaited Polavaram Irrigation Project, a lifeline for the state’s farmers and a key commitment under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act. To further sweeten the deal, the government pledged to facilitate essential infrastructure like water, power, railways, and roads in the Kopparthy and Orvakal nodes along the industrial corridors.
Bihar’s turn to bask in the limelight
Not to be outdone, the Finance Minister also showered attention on the state of Bihar, another NDA stronghold under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a critical ally. The budget allocated a staggering ₹26,000 crore for road projects, including the Patna-Purnea Expressway, Buxar-Bhagalpur Expressway, and a second bridge over the Ganga at Buxar.
But the government’s generosity didn’t stop there. An additional ₹21,400 crore was earmarked for power projects, including a new 2,400 MW plant at Pirpainti. And to address the state’s chronic flood woes, a whopping ₹11,500 crore was set aside for irrigation and flood control measures.
Temples and pilgrimage sites get a makeover
The budget also showcased the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. In Bihar, the Finance Minister announced plans to develop temple corridors for the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, following the successful model of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor.
But the government’s cultural largesse didn’t end there. The historic city of Rajgir, with its deep-rooted religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, was also slated for a development boost. And the revered Nalanda University, a symbol of India’s intellectual prowess, was earmarked for a revival.
Purvodaya: A vision for the East
In a bold move, the Finance Minister unveiled the “Purvodaya” plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at the all-round development of the eastern region, encompassing Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. This strategic move was likely intended to cement the government’s foothold in a politically crucial part of the country.
The “Purvodaya” plan, with its focus on the development of the eastern region, could also open up new avenues for growth and investment. Sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and logistics are poised to benefit from the government’s renewed attention on this economically crucial part of the country.
A bitter pill for the opposition
Not everyone was thrilled with the budget’s regional priorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the fiery leader of the Trinamool Congress, lambasted the budget as “politically biased and anti-people.” Her party’s MP, Kalyan Banerjee, went a step further, labeling it a “kursi bachao (saving seats) budget” aimed at appeasing the government’s NDA allies.
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav was quick to ask “what’s in it for Uttar Pradesh” while criticizing the Budget for neglecting the youth and farmers of Uttar Pradesh. He questioned the development measures for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, suggesting they were politically motivated, and emphasized the need for permanent jobs and better support for farmers.
As the dust settles on Budget 2024, the question remains: was this a genuine effort to address the development needs of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, or a calculated move to shore up political support ahead of the next general elections? The answer, it seems, lies in the delicate dance of coalition politics and seeking a path to survival.
In the end, Budget 2024 may be remembered as much for its political calculus as for its development initiatives. The generous packages for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, the government’s efforts to appease its allies, and the backlash from the opposition leave us waiting to watch how this story unfolds.
