Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) have raised significant demands for funds from the Union Government as the 2024 Union Budget approaches. The two parties, key allies of the BJP, have requested a substantial amount of approximately $5.7 billion (nearly Rs 48,000 crore) for their respective states. This request for funds comes ahead of the budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23.
A Reuters report has divulged that the TDP and JD(U) are seeking these funds for the current financial year, in addition to a higher borrowing limit for infrastructure projects. This move reflects a substantial push by the two allies to secure financial backing for their states, indicating the priority they place on addressing key development and infrastructure needs.
It is worth noting that the BJP fell short of securing a simple majority in the Lok Sabha elections, prompting the NDA government to form with the support of Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). Naidu’s TDP secured 16 seats, while Kumar’s JD(U) won 12 seats, contributing significantly to the formation of the government at the Centre.
These demands for funds and enhanced borrowing limits underscore the critical role played by regional parties in coalition politics, exemplifying the need for the Centre to maintain strong ties with its key allies. The alliance’s requests reflect the urgency and significance of addressing the financial and developmental requirements of their respective states.
As the 2024 Union Budget draws near, all eyes will be on the Finance Minister as she presents the budget and addresses the concerns raised by Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. The outcome will not only have implications for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar but also for the broader political landscape as the NDA government navigates its priorities and partnerships in the coming fiscal year.
