The most notable aspect of the budget presented by the central government on Tuesday was its special favor for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The announcement of a substantial sum for both states has sparked mixed reactions. While the opposition labels it a 'save government budget,' allies like TDP and JD(U) within NDA are hailing it as revolutionary. Amidst this, the opposition accuses Nitish Kumar of being content with this package despite previously being ready to agitate for special state status. They allege that Nitish Kumar is acting under BJP's pressure and fears imprisonment. Let's delve into these claims.
Is Nitish Kumar Afraid of an Investigation?
The RJD, Congress, and Left leaders assert that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is under pressure following an ED raid on a close official. They claim Nitish Kumar has retreated from the demand for special state status due to such pressure.
The opposition claims that Nitish's reticence on the special state status demand stems from his fear of being implicated in investigations targeting his close aides. They allege that Nitish is surrendering on the special state issue as ED scrutiny tightens around his associates, notably Sanjeev Hans, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department in Bihar. The opposition suggests that several other officers are also under the ED's radar, making Nitish Kumar feel the heat.
RJD MLA Makes Serious Allegations
RJD MLA Mukesh Raushan claims the central government is pressuring Nitish Kumar by targeting his close aide Sanjeev Hans, who faces various allegations. Raushan asserts that BJP knows well that Nitish can create obstacles in Delhi. To prevent this, ED raids were conducted on Hans. Raushan believes the day Nitish insists on his demands, BJP will imprison him, hence his retreat.
Congress MLA Sanjay Tiwari also claims BJP is blackmailing Nitish Kumar, keeping him under pressure through frequent ED raids on associates like Sanjeev Hans.
Source: aajtak
The Discussion on Minimum Support Price
The budget has prominently featured the Minimum Support Price (MSP), but this discussion is intertwined with politics. Typically, MSP refers to the government-fixed price farmers receive for their crops. However, in this political context, the 'minimum support price' symbolizes the significant financial rewards given to states in exchange for their political support.
Source: aajtak
Why Is It Called the Government's Minimum Support Price Budget?
NDA currently holds 293 seats in the Lok Sabha, 21 more than the majority mark of 272. Among them, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) contributes 12 seats, and N. Chandrababu Naidu's TDP adds 16, totaling 28 seats. When combined with the support from 12 other smaller allies, this significant backing provides a robust political foundation. Accusations arise that these announcements are made to secure this majority, supported by the historical context of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu.
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The Past Relations of Chandrababu and Nitish as a Reason for 'Special Packages'
Nitish Kumar and BJP have had on-and-off relations from 2009 to 2022. Meanwhile, N. Chandrababu Naidu's party even motioned a no-confidence vote against the NDA in March 2018. At that time, Chandrababu Naidu, who governed Andhra Pradesh, withdrew support from the central government over the demand for special state status and packages.
Nitish and Naidu's Contentment with the Budget
Although Nitish Kumar's demand for special state status for Bihar was rejected, he appears content with the special package announced for the state. Nitish Kumar stated that the budget includes several essential declarations; he hopes the remaining needs will eventually be met. Similarly, Chandrababu Naidu praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him the right leader for India at the right time.
