Date: February 03, 2025
Budget 2025: Andhra Pradesh Gets Bigger Allocation Than Bihar
Budget 2025: Andhra Pradesh Gets Bigger Allocation Than Bihar
The Union Budget 2025-26 was presented today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and it came with some major financial announcements. One of the key highlights was the introduction of nil tax for individuals earning under ₹12 lakh. More importantly, for Andhra Pradesh (AP), the state secured a larger budget allocation than Bihar, contrary to widespread social media discussions suggesting Bihar would be the biggest beneficiary.
Major Budget Allocations for Andhra Pradesh
AP secured several key financial grants and allocations in this year’s budget announcement. The major beneficiaries include:
Polavaram Project: ₹5,936 crore allocated for the completion of this major irrigation project.
Vizag Steel Plant: ₹3,295 crore sanctioned for its development.
Vizag Port: ₹730 crore allocated for port expansion and infrastructure.
Healthcare: ₹162 crore granted for enhancing healthcare facilities in the state.
Zero Budget Farming: ₹186 crore sanctioned to promote sustainable agriculture.
Roads & Bridges: ₹240 crore allocated, which is relatively low for infrastructure development.
AP Livelihood Improvement Project: ₹242 crore sanctioned to boost employment opportunities.
Additionally, ₹12,157 crore has been granted as balance grants to the state.
AP Secures ₹23,000 Crore, More Than Bihar ₹17,000 Crore
While Bihar is heading for elections this year and was expected to receive the highest allocation, the numbers tell a different story. Andhra Pradesh secured ₹23,000 crore, surpassing Bihar’s allocation of approximately ₹17,000 crore.
This unexpected boost for AP indicates that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s close ties with the NDA leadership are yielding results. The active presence of TDP MPs in Parliament and the influence of Pawan Kalyan in NDA’s decision-making have also played a significant role in securing these funds.
A Step Forward, But Not Groundbreaking
Although AP’s allocation in Budget 2025 is significant, there’s nothing exceptionally transformative about it. The funds cover ongoing projects rather than introducing new game-changing initiatives.
However, the larger financial package compared to Bihar is a clear indication of political strategy at play. The state leadership has successfully positioned AP in a favorable light with the central government, which could benefit long-term development projects.
With TDP and Jana Sena’s growing political influence in NDA, Andhra Pradesh may continue to see more financial backing in the coming years.