Patna/New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lauded the 2025 Union Budget, calling it "positive, welcome, progressive, and forward-looking" in a statement on Saturday evening.

Speaking after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for FY 2025-26, Kumar noted several key welfare initiatives aimed specifically at Bihar, a state that is set to hold elections later this year.

Nitish Kumar, who leads the ruling alliance between the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar, further added that the Budget would not only accelerate the state's development but also contribute to the overall growth of the nation.

Kumar particularly highlighted two major announcements from Sitharaman's speech: the increase in the income tax rebate ceiling from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh and the restructuring of tax slabs under the new regime.

Sitharaman's reforms aim to put more money in the hands of consumers, particularly the middle class, with an expected increase in disposable income of up to Rs 1.1 lakh for some people.

Kumar also pointed to other notable provisions, such as improved benefits for farmers.

Under the new budget, the loan limit on the 'Kisan Credit Card' has been raised to Rs 5 lakh, while credit guarantee coverage for micro-enterprises has been expanded to Rs 10 crore, expected to stimulate employment opportunities.

Describing the budget as one that favours the poor, youth, and farmers, Kumar expressed appreciation for the various measures undertaken to support these groups.

One specific initiative, specifically designed to benefit Bihar,  was the creation of a dedicated board to support the state's makhana (lotus nuts) industry to improve its manufacturing, processing, and value-added products.

Further, the Budget included plans for greenfield airports to meet future aviation needs, such as international flights, which will benefit Bihar’s infrastructure development.

However, Congress slammed the Budget, calling it BJP’s attempt to achieve political mileage.

Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh criticized the budget for disproportionately benefiting Bihar.

He stated that such “generous” measures could be politically motivated ahead of the state’s upcoming election.

In a sarcastic post on social media, Ramesh pointed out that the Budget's focus on Bihar could be seen as “natural,” given the looming election, and questioned why Andhra Pradesh had been "cruelly ignored."

Congress leader Manish Tewari took a jibe at BJP, questioning whether the budget was truly for the entire country or merely for Bihar.