JD (U) Revives Demand for Special State Status for Bihar Ahead of Budget Session

Patna:  Just ahead of the Parliament’s budget session, the Janata Dal (United) has intensified its longstanding demand for granting special state status to Bihar. In addition, the party has called for a permanent solution to the recurring floods in North Bihar, caused by rivers flowing from Nepal. These demands were articulated by JD (U) National Working President, Sanjay Jha, following an all-party meeting in Delhi.

Speaking on the matter, Jha emphasised the persistent nature of their demand for special state status, a cause championed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “From Gandhi Maidan in Patna to Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, CM Nitish has led major rallies advocating for this status,” Jha stated. He suggested that if there are technical obstacles to granting special status, the central government should instead provide a special package for Bihar.

Jha highlighted the severe impact of annual floods in North Bihar, which result from waters flowing from Nepal. “Every year, the state government incurs expenditures running into thousands of crores to manage flood-related destruction,” Jha said. “This money could be redirected towards other developmental projects.” He urged the central government to engage in discussions with Nepal to address the issue.

Pending an agreement with Nepal, Jha called for immediate structural interventions in Bihar, facilitated by the central government. He noted that a central team had previously visited Bihar to assess the situation, expressing hopes that the budget would include provisions to address these concerns.