Patna: Leader of opposition in the state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Friday alleged that Bihar’s fiscal position had come under serious strain, with a substantial rise in market borrowings putting pressure on the state’s finances. However, the BJP dismissed the allegations, asserting that the state’s economy remained robust and development work was progressing at a rapid pace.Tejashwi claimed that Bihar recorded the highest fiscal deficit among the leading states in the country in 2025-26, at 5.8% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP).He also criticised chief minister Samrat Choudhary, alleging that the govt lacked a long-term strategy for managing expenditure, market borrowings and the fiscal deficit.“The CM has no understanding of expenditure management, market borrowings and fiscal deficit. The state’s fiscal health has worsened, as the revenue deficit and market borrowings are increasing,” Tejashwi said.He alleged that the state’s debt burden had become a matter of serious concern and claimed that the increase in expenditure had not been matched by a corresponding rise in the state’s own revenue.“The NDA govt has no long-term plan for resource mobilisation and increasing revenue earnings, nor for budget management and controlling the fiscal deficit,” he alleged.Tejashwi also accused the govt of taking record loans over the past two financial years and alleged that the state treasury was under financial pressure.“The basic question is where is the money going?” he asked, claiming that the financial strain was affecting payments to govt employees and social security pensioners, clearance of contractors’ dues and funding for development activities.He further accused the “double-engine govt” of pushing the state towards a “dark zone” and alleged that its financial policies would affect both the present and future of Bihar.Reacting to the comments of RJD national working president, state BJP spokesperson and former MLA Prem Ranjan Patel said, “Tejashwi does not even know ABC about the matters related to public finance in a developing economy.”“Over the years, the state budget has steadily increased, because the govt has capacity to utilise funds. The lenders give loans to those who have repaying capacity, and the state govt has not defaulted on loan repayment,” he said, adding the govt has been raising money through loans for carrying out development activities.The state’s own sources of revenue have been expanding, he said, adding, “Tejashwi should improve his knowledge of the state’s finances.”
