The Politics of Budget Briefcases and Attire: Color Sends a Message

Patna, February 3:
Whether it is the Union Budget or the Bihar state budget, politics often leaves its unmistakable mark on the presentation. Traditionally, the budget copy has been carried in a red briefcase—a practice followed for decades. However, during the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) rule in Bihar, finance ministers broke this tradition by using green briefcases, reflecting the party’s identity and signaling a distinct political statement.

Budget Attire as Political Messaging

Politics is not limited to policies and numbers; it often extends to symbolism. Central Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for example, presented the Union Budget in a Kanjivaram saree, subtly appealing to Tamil Nadu’s electorate ahead of the state assembly elections. Previously, she wore a Mithila painting saree while presenting the budget, a move credited with connecting to Bihar’s cultural ethos and contributing to BJP’s electoral success in the region.

RJD’s Green Briefcase Tradition

During the tenure of RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi (1997–2005), Bihar’s budget presentations featured green briefcases instead of the conventional red. BJP leaders often criticized this change, linking it to the so-called “Jungle Raj.” RJD legislators would also wear green caps and women supporters donned green sarees to create a party-centric visual environment in the Assembly.

This interplay of color, culture, and politics underscores how political parties in India have long used visual symbolism—whether briefcases, sarees, or attire—to signal identity, connect with regional sentiments, and subtly influence public perception during legislative and electoral events.