Modi’s Allies Flex Muscle, Demand Nearly $6 Billion For Their States
NEW DELHI (REUTER) – Two key allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have asked for about $6 billion in funds for their home states, pressuring the federal government to raise spending when it presents its budget later this month, according to a document reviewed by Reuters and a source familiar with the matter.f
PM Narendra Modi ‘s BJP is having to rely on two regional parties – Andhra Pradesh’s Telugu Desam Party and Bihar’s Janata Dal (United) – to run the government, after it failed to win a majority on its own in the recently concluded national elections.
These two states are now demanding 480 billion rupees ($5.75 billion) in additional funds for the financial year ending March 2025, according to the document – which listed demands from one of the state governments – and the source.
In addition, both states have asked the federal government to nearly double unconditional long-term loans offered by the government to all states for infrastructure spending to 1 trillion rupees ($11.98 billion), according to the document and the source.
The Indian government has set aside 1.3 trillion rupees in loans to states in its interim budget in February, of which more than half is conditional on the implementation of certain economic reforms.
The states also want more headroom to borrow funds from the market, a limit set by the federal government, according to the document and the source.
India’s federal finance ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
In the interim budget presented in February, the government has targeted a fiscal deficit of 5.1% of GDP. The final budget is due to be presented before the end of this month.
Beyond the immediate funding demand, Bihar is seeking funds for nine new airports, two power projects, two river water programs and setting up seven medical colleges, according to the document.
The period over which funds for these projects are being sought has not been specified.
The southern state of Andhra Pradesh has sought funds for developing its capital city and a key irrigation project, the source said. The state, despite multiple requests and visits by senior official to New Delhi, as long as it was not with the PM Narendra Modi government had been denied funding.
Anil
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Rules and rules!
Modi must follow them. All states get equitable treatment. And then there is extra funding for national security and national infrastructure. What the states can ask for is help with Airports, Railway Stations, Ports and major highway connectivity.
Modi should inform the leaders of this privately. The money belongs to the people and all states must get equitable treatment.
July 8, 2024If Modi govt. loses, so be it. Naidu and Nitish can salute PM Childish Man and take responsibility for India falling.
Gideon
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Absolutely- Modi cannot cave in to the goon opportunists- it is a true test of leadership.
July 8, 2024Mohanan Nair
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These two allies are fully dependable and, therefore, must be handled carefully. Both are opportunists and may jump wagon for selfish motives. Modiji knows them better than others and, hopefully, will not allow him to be hoodwinked. Meet their legitimate demand, that is all.
July 10, 2024Mohanan Nair
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Please read as “These two allies are not fully dependable……………
July 10, 2024