Budget 2025: Congress Slams Nirmala Sitharaman Over State Disparities
Congress party has strongly criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025, accusing the government of turning the “Make in India” initiative into “Fake in India,” now renamed as the National Reconstruction Mission. The party claims that the Finance Minister’s speech failed to address key agricultural concerns and recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Jairam Ramesh Targets Finance Minister’s Silence on Farmers’ Demands
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media, pointing out the Finance Minister’s silence on vital agricultural issues. He criticized her for not addressing demands such as the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP), agricultural loan waivers, and improvements to the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, despite the budget focusing on agriculture.
Introduction of ‘PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’
The Finance Minister introduced the ‘PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ aimed at improving agricultural conditions in districts with low yields, poor crop resilience, and inadequate financing. The initiative will target 100 such districts and is expected to benefit around 1.7 crore farmers.
Bihar Receives Major Allocations, Andhra Pradesh Overlooked
Congress raised concerns over the apparent favoritism towards Bihar in the Budget. Several key announcements were made for the state, including the establishment of a Makhana Board, financial assistance for Western Koshi Nagar, and expansion of IIT Patna’s capacity. Ramesh pointed out that this focused attention on Bihar might be politically motivated, with elections due in the state later this year.

Jairam Ramesh Questions Disparity in Budget Allocations
Ramesh also questioned the lack of attention to Andhra Pradesh, stating that it had been entirely neglected in the Budget. He pointed out that while Bihar received substantial investments, no major initiatives were announced for Andhra Pradesh, raising questions about the government’s priorities in the allocation of funds.
Bihar’s Future Growth Plans in the Budget
Under the Budget’s provisions, Bihar will receive significant support, including the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship & Management and a Greenfield Airport to meet the state’s future needs. Ramesh sarcastically noted that it seemed Bihar had received a treasure trove, while Andhra Pradesh’s needs were ignored.