'You'll Know Everything Slowly': Did Nitish's Cryptic 'Special Status' Remark Hint at Bihar's Budget Bonanza?

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent statement regarding the ‘special status’ for the state has proven to hold significant foresight, as evidenced by recent developments in the Union Budget 2024. Addressing journalists in Patna ahead of the budget presentation, Kumar’s remarks hinted at forthcoming developments for Bihar. The anticipation surrounding Bihar’s omission from the list of special states had sparked considerable debate among opposition leaders. Kumar’s cryptic comment, “you will know everything slowly,” during the Legislative Assembly session, foreshadowed substantial revelations in the budgetary allocations.

True to Kumar’s suggestion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her budget speech with a series of landmark announcements benefiting Bihar. Notably, she unveiled projects including the Patna-Purnia Expressway, Buxar-Bhagalpur Expressway, and significant infrastructural investments across the state, amounting to a staggering Rs 26,000 crore. Further bolstering Bihar’s developmental landscape, a 2400 MW power project in Pirpainti was earmarked with a budgetary allocation of Rs 21,400 crore.

In a gesture aimed at boosting tourism and cultural infrastructure, Sitharaman outlined plans to develop religious and historical sites akin to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. The Vishnupad Temple Corridor in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple Corridor in Bodhgaya are set to receive substantial investments, along with initiatives to enhance facilities at Rajgir and Nalanda.

Moreover, the Finance Minister affirmed the central government’s commitment to industrial expansion along the Amritsar-Kolkata corridor, which promises to stimulate economic growth in the eastern region. Additional provisions were made for the establishment of airports, medical colleges, and other essential infrastructure across Bihar, signaling a robust commitment to the state’s comprehensive development agenda.

While Bihar awaits the official designation of special state status, the budget’s comprehensive provisions totaling over Rs 58,000 crore reflect a strategic investment in the state’s growth trajectory. This includes substantial allocations for road networks, power generation, flood management, and tourism infrastructure.

In retrospect, Nitish Kumar’s enigmatic hint before the budget presentation aptly underscored the unfolding of a transformative chapter for Bihar, reinforcing the adage that patience indeed brings forth rewards.