Finance – Bihar Opposition Raises Concerns Over State Spending and Debt Burden

Finance – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the NDA-led government in Bihar, alleging serious financial irregularities and mismanagement of public funds.

Allegations of Financial Strain

Yadav claimed that the state administration is currently facing a deep financial crunch, pointing to recent official communications that suggest tighter controls on withdrawals and expenditure. According to him, these measures indicate that the government is struggling to manage its finances effectively.

He further alleged that large sums were spent in the run-up to elections, leaving the state with limited resources to meet ongoing obligations. As a result, several welfare-related payments are reportedly being delayed or affected.

Welfare Schemes and Payment Delays

Highlighting the impact on citizens, Yadav said that funds are not readily available for key social initiatives. These include pensions for senior citizens, financial assistance for students, and salary disbursements for government employees.

He argued that such delays reflect poor planning and prioritisation by the administration. According to his claims, essential services and welfare schemes are now under pressure due to the depletion of available funds.

Rising Debt and Interest Burden

The RJD leader also raised concerns about Bihar’s increasing reliance on borrowed money. He stated that the state’s total debt has reached nearly Rs 4 lakh crore, adding that a significant portion of daily expenditure is now going towards interest payments.

Yadav noted that the government is reportedly spending over Rs 100 crore every day just to service its debt. This, he said, limits the state’s ability to invest in development and public welfare.

Questions Over Financial Accountability

Referring to findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Yadav questioned the transparency of government spending. He alleged that utilisation certificates for a substantial amount of expenditure—over Rs 90,000 crore—have not been submitted.

According to him, this raises concerns about whether the funds were used effectively or accounted for properly. He suggested that the lack of clear records could indicate gaps in financial oversight.

Concerns About Development Progress

Yadav also criticised the overall pace of development in Bihar, stating that the current situation has slowed down many initiatives. He claimed that limited funds and rising liabilities have made it difficult to sustain ongoing projects or introduce new ones.

While making these assertions, he accused the government of lacking a clear roadmap for economic management and development. He argued that without better planning and accountability, the state may continue to face financial challenges.

Government Yet to Respond

As of now, there has been no detailed response from the NDA government addressing these specific allegations. Political observers note that such exchanges are common in the run-up to elections, with opposition leaders often highlighting governance issues to question the ruling administration.

The claims made by Yadav bring attention to broader discussions around fiscal discipline, transparency, and the effective use of public funds. Whether these concerns will lead to further investigation or policy changes remains to be seen.