Patna: The Narendra Modi government is set to present the first full-fledged budget of its third term on Saturday, February 1. Ahead of the announcement, Sanjay Jha, the working president of the Janata Dal (United), a key NDA ally, has made a significant statement on Bihar’s long-standing demand for special status.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Jha dismissed the need for special status and instead advocated for a special financial package for the state. “Bihar does not need special status, but a special package. This is a crucial budget session. Last year, the Prime Minister gave special attention to Bihar, and we expect this tradition to continue,” he said.
Jha further emphasized Bihar’s economic progress, stating that the state has been experiencing double-digit growth. “Our party had consistently demanded special status for Bihar, but practically, it is no longer feasible. That is why we are now focused on securing a special package,” he added.
The demand for special status for Bihar has been a recurring political issue, particularly around budget announcements. JD (U) has been at the forefront of this campaign, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar leading state-wide rallies on the issue. In 2012, CM Nitish even wrote to the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, prompting the formation of a committee, which ultimately rejected the demand.
The opposition, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, has frequently accused Nitish of abandoning the special status demand under the Modi government. Leaders such as Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Lalu Prasad have questioned why the Chief Minister has remained silent on the issue after championing it during the UPA era.
