JD(U) not giving up on demand for special status for Bihar, says CM Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said that the Janata Dal (United) was not giving up on the demand for special category status for the state, PTI reported.

He distanced himself from Bihar Planning Minister and JD(U) leader Bijendra Yadav’s remark that the state government was tired of asking for the special category status and was no longer interested in pursuing the demand. On Monday, Yadav had said that Bihar would now seek a special package for all sectors.

The special status category is given to states that face various disadvantages, including hilly and difficult terrain, economic and infrastructural backwardness, strategic location along international borders and low population density.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, the chief minister said that Yadav may have made an off-the-cuff remark.

“Special status for Bihar has been demanded by us in view of its developmental needs,” Kumar said. “Though we might not have made any headway, but we are not giving up.”

On Tuesday, the Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, had criticised Kumar saying he has become tired.

“When the chief minister was not able to get central university status for the Patna University, how could he ensure special status for Bihar?” he said in a tweet.

The provision of special status was introduced in 1969 after the central government acknowledged that several states were more…

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