New Delhi: The central government’s financial package for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar could cost the public exchequer around Rs. 20,000-30,000 crore in 2024-25.Among the two states, while Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive Rs. 15,000-20,000 crore, Bihar is likely to get Rs. 5,000-10,000 crore, reported Business Standard.The major chunk of the allocations has been made under the head of ‘special assistance under the demand- Transfers to state’, which has been increased five times to Rs. 20,000 crore in the full budget for FY25 from the earlier allocation of Rs. 4,000 crore in the interim budget.After the results of the Lok Sabha elections were declared in June, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) have emerged as important allies of the BJP in the Centre after the saffron party couldn’t win a majority on its own.While the TDP is in power in Andhra Pradesh, the JD (U) rules Bihar. The massive allocations made as part of the financial package is being seen an effort of the BJP to ensure that its allies remain satisfied.TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar have both been part of opposition groups and have taken on the BJP.
