No state has been ignored: Nirmala Sitharaman defends Budget in Rajya Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman counters Opposition claims that the Budget favoured BJP-ruled states, especially poll-bound Bihar

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the Union Budget 2024-25 in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday during the ongoing Budget session,  countering Opposition claims that the Budget favoured Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states, especially poll-bound Bihar. Responding to criticisms, she asserted that no state had been neglected under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.  Sitharaman called such claims “unfounded,” dismissing the opposition’s allegations of ignoring states. She also took aim at critics who questioned the tax benefits introduced in the Budget, remarking that their objections suggested a broader opposition to middle-class tax relief.  Additionally, the government announced the creation of a Makhana Board, dedicated to supporting foxnut farmers in Bihar.  The Finance Minister also unveiled plans for expanding IIT Patna and bolstering infrastructure across five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)