Modi’s new budget shouldn’t break the bank amid Naidu, Nitish's demands
Budget Expectations: Things seem to be falling comfortably into place for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yes, he lost seats in India’s recent general election — but he was, nevertheless, re-elected for a third term. Yes, he is dependent upon smaller allied parties for the first time in his political career. But those allies have been complaisant so far, and he has kept them out of major ministerial roles without any blowback.
That period of calm may be coming to an end, however. Next week, India will unveil its tax-and-spending plans for the ongoing financial year, which ends in March 2025 — and, according to Reuters, the allies’ bills will come due.
Also Read: Ally Naidu again seeks funds from Modi-govt before Budget
The two largest regional parties in Modi’s coalition are together apparently asking for $5.75 billion of federal government funds to be transferred to their regions and preferred programs over the next eight months. Chandrababu Naidu, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh in India’s south, wants to build a new capital city for his state. Nitish Kumar, who runs India’s poorest state of Bihar, has made a name for himself as a designer of clever but expensive welfare schemes.
Budget survey: Best thing about India, one big missing trick & the reform everyone wants
Why Sitharaman won't rock the boat
Chandrababu Naidu again seeks financial package for Andhra Pradesh ahead of Budget
Interest sops in works for companies setting up cold storage facilities for onions
More News
Modi is a fiscal
