Rabri Devi Slams Union Budget As 'Power Retention Tactic' by Modi Government

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi criticized the Union Budget 2024, calling it an attempt by the Modi government to retain power. RJD MP Misa Bharti echoed the sentiment, alleging lack of benefits for youth and middle class. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh defended the budget, citing allocations for Bihar.

Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi on Wednesday criticized the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, labeling it a tactic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to retain power. Devi described the Budget as an effort to 'save the chair.' 'Kursi bachane ke liye' (to save the chair) said Rabri Devi.

'The budget that was presented yesterday is just to save the chair... PM Modi has announced all sops for the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar just to remain in power,' Devi alleged. 'Nitish Kumar has asked for special status for Bihar; what will happen by giving packages? The people of Bihar need employment and controlled inflation. Flyovers have been built but over 20 have collapsed. The government has fooled the people of Bihar in the budget,' claimed the RJD leader. RJD MP Misa Bharti accused the Centre of ignoring the welfare of youth and addressing unemployment in Bihar.

'We want to know what Bihar has got. JDU has been demanding special status for Bihar and packages. Bihar has received just a toy and a toffee. There is nothing for youth or the middle class. Nothing has been done to create employment. This is budgetary copy-pasting and repackaging to save Modi's position,' Bharti asserted. However, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh defended the budget, expressing satisfaction with the allocations for Bihar in the Union Budget 2024, indicating that packages for the state's sectors like infrastructure, tourism, and irrigation are plentiful.

'We had demanded special status or a special package for Bihar. Today's budget has an abundance of packages for Bihar. Whether it's infrastructure, tourism, or irrigation, there are plenty of schemes in every sector. Post-implementation, Bihar's growth rate will rise,' Singh stated. Meanwhile, Indian Youth Congress workers protested against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar outside the Bihar Legislative Council over issues including unemployment, the anti-paper leak bill, and the Agniveer scheme.

(With inputs from agencies.)