Bettiah: Amid concern over the scrapping of the proposed Bagaha–Belwania bridge project in West Champaran district, Union minister of state for coal and mines Satish Chandra Dubey on Sunday said sustained efforts are being made to persuade the Centre to reconsider the plan. He said the four-lane bridge over the Gandak—from Shastrinagar in Bagaha to Belwania in Uttar Pradesh—would have reduced travel distance from nearly 70 km to just 8 km, improving connectivity and boosting local economic activity.Addressing a press conference on the Union Budget at the BJP office in Bagaha, the minister described the budget as a blueprint for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and a “Viksit Bharat”, asserting that it lays a strong foundation for economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Dubey said the budget focuses on fulfilling the aspirations of farmers, youth and the middle class. Highlighting key provisions, he said special emphasis has been placed on strengthening agriculture, increasing farmers’ income and integrating modern technology into farming. Enhanced allocations for irrigation, storage and rural infrastructure, he added, will give a major push to the rural economy.He further said the government has prioritised skill development, startups and job creation for the youth. With increased focus on education and digital innovation, efforts are being accelerated across the country, including Bihar, to make the youth self-reliant.Launching a political attack on the Congress, Dubey alleged that the party was uncomfortable even with Lord Ram and claimed that Mahatma Gandhi had envisioned a Congress-free India after Independence. “What Pandit Nehru could not accomplish, Rahul Gandhi now seems determined to do by steering the party towards its end,” he remarked.
