The Economic Survey 2025-26 has laid bare Bihar’s unenviable status as India’s poorest state, with per capita income languishing under Rs 70,000—the lowest among 34 entities. Timed perfectly before the Union Budget, these findings have unleashed a torrent of political invective.
At Rs 8 lakh crore, Bihar’s 2024-25 GSDP lags 12 states, even as its 13.07% growth rate beats 22 rivals. Alarmingly, this marks a dip from the state’s prior three-year average, exposing vulnerabilities in the growth model.
RJD mouthpiece Shakti Yadav unleashed fury: ‘Two decades under Nitish Kumar, and Bihar’s still at the bottom. Blaming past governments won’t cut it anymore.’
JD(U)’s Neeraj Kumar riposted: ‘Pre-Nitish, Bihar was a disaster zone. He’s elevated it to top positions in various fields.’
Beyond the banter, the data reveals deep-rooted challenges: sluggish per capita gains amid demographic bulges and limited private investment. Bihar’s high growth is built on shaky foundations, demanding bold interventions like enhanced central funding. As Nitish’s critics pile on, the survey amplifies calls for accountability after 20 years of stewardship. The budget now holds the key to whether Bihar can climb out of poverty’s grip.