Modi 3.0 budget: Financial guarantees for political allies

Modi 3.0 budget: Financial guarantees for political allies

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India's first budget after prime minister Narendra Modi's re-election for a third term focused on a boost to religious tourism. However, the focus was largely on developing religious sites in Bihar.

The states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, run by allies of Modi, were allocated additional funding as the government attempted to satisfy their coalition partners' demands, without blowing out their finances.

Andhra Pradesh is set to receive 150 billion rupees in financial aid via multilateral institutions. Meanwhile, roads, airports, medical colleges, and improved tourist spots in Bihar are promised.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The budget puts Bihar's religious tourist hotspots in focus, with plans to build a corridor connecting Gaya's Vishnupad temple and Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi temple, as well as to restore Rajgir, a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jain devotees.

The restoration of Nalanda university, aid for the growth of the tourist industry in Odisha, and a simplified tax system for international shipping companies that engage in domestic cruise tourism in India were among the other tourism-related initiatives mentioned.

However, the focused funding for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh will come under scrutiny.