How Modi Attempted To Please Naidu And Nitish?

A month after the BJP secured a third term with support from N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and Nitish Kumar's JDU, the 2024 Budget has allocated key projects for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Despite denying Bihar’s Special Category Status request, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several development initiatives.

These include expressways, a two-lane bridge over the Ganga in Buxar, a 2,400 MW power plant in Bhagalpur, and funds to expedite development bank support.

Plans also include temple corridors in Gaya and Rajgir and a Rs 11,500 crore flood control structure.

The "Purvodaya" initiative aims to develop Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on human resources, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

For Andhra Pradesh prioritization of railway and roadway projects along with Rs 15,000 crore for capital development was announced. The Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act concerns will also be addressed.

The budget highlights the critical support from TDP and JDU to the BJP's return to power.

Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed satisfaction with the assistance provided for development, despite the lack of special status.