With assembly elections in Bihar scheduled for October-November later this year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has delivered a strong message to the state, where the JD(U)-BJP alliance is currently in power.
The support of the Janata Dal (United) was instrumental in the formation of the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, with parties such as Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV), and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha lending their backing.
Sitharaman announced several key projects for the state, including the development of greenfield airports, the establishment of a new food technology institute, the creation of a board for the development of fox nuts (makhana), and the expansion of the Indian Institute of Technology in Patna.
In a symbolic gesture, Sitharaman wore a white sari adorned with Madhubani paintings featuring fish, a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The sari, crafted by 2021 Padma awardee Dulari Devi, a member of the fisherfolk community in the Mithilanchal region, was presented to her during her visit to the Mithila Art Institute.
Among the state-specific announcements, the establishment of a Makhana Board stands out. Bihar, the largest producer of fox nuts, will benefit from this initiative, as these seeds, known for their high nutritional value, are a significant export commodity.
Another major announcement was the setting up of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management in Bihar. This institute aims to equip students with skills tailored to the growing demands of the food industry.
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As the state had witnessed widespread student protests demanding jobs and better access to education, Sitharaman announced the expansion of the prestigious IIT Patna.
Despite having more seats in the state assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party has supported JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar as the chief minister. However, the BJP is eyeing a larger share of seats in the upcoming elections, with hopes of staking a claim for the chief minister’s post, as seen in Maharashtra, where Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde stepped down in favour of BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis due to the BJP’s numerical advantage.
To meet Bihar’s future infrastructure needs, Sitharaman announced the development of greenfield airports, complementing the ongoing expansion of Patna Airport. She also unveiled the Western Kosi Canal Project, which is expected to benefit farmers across 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region.