As Bihar readies for its Assembly elections later this year, the Centre rolled out a whole list of initiatives in an apparent effort to woo voters in the politically crucial state. The announcement assumes significance given the fact that BJP relies considerably on its alliance with Nitish Kumar’s JDU, thus, the new initiative signals strategic consolidation of support in the state ahead of polls.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on her eighth straight Budget speech, announced multiple big projects for Bihar. The important ones include setting up a Makhana board to empower the farmers of Bihar’s northern belt. The Makhana board will allow growers to avail benefits from the centre, which got the ruling coalition applauding the move.
What do big projects for Bihar include according to Budget speech?
There will also be greenfield airports as part of the overall effort to enhance civil aviation infrastructure in Bihar. Mithilanchal will see the development of a new canal project, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Patna will also be expanded. All these steps reflect the focus of the Centre on infrastructure, agriculture, and education in the state.
It is a strategic play for political gains.
No wonder the timing. The BJP fell short of a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Nitish Kumar’s JDU turned out to be the critical ally, winning 12 seats and playing a significant role in forming the government. Now that Bihar is set to go to the polls, the BJP is pulling out all the stops to deliver a strong performance, using the alliance with the JDU to hang on to power.
Nitish Kumar, who is known for his political machinations, has succeeded in retaining his Chief Minister position despite multiple shifts in allegiance. The Centre’s latest offerings are seen as a reward for his loyalty and a bid to strengthen the alliance ahead of the elections.
Opposition Cries Foul
While the ruling coalition has been basking in the glory of Bihar’s gains, the Opposition has been quick to point out disparities. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned why Andhra Pradesh, another key NDA ally, was overlooked in the Budget. “Bihar appears to have got a bonanza of announcements,” he said, adding, “But why is Andhra Pradesh being so cruelly ignored?“
The criticism highlights the political undertones of the Centre’s announcements, with critics arguing that the focus on Bihar is driven more by electoral calculations than equitable development.
What’s at Stake?
As Bihar gears up for a high-stakes election, the Centre’s initiatives will likely have much to say about voter sentiment. For the BJP and JDU, the task will be to translate these announcements into electoral gains. For the Opposition, the task is to expose what they see as politically motivated allocations and present a compelling alternative.
One thing, however, is clear: Bihar remains a prime battleground in Indian politics, and the polls in the coming weeks will be an acid test for alliances, strategies, and promises.
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