Prashant Kishore Criticises Nitish Kumar’s Pursuit of Special State Status for Bihar

Patna: Prashant Kishore, the convenor of Jan Suraj campaign, has once again launched a scathing critique of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishore argued that achieving special state status for Bihar would not, in itself, alleviate poverty or enhance education in the state.

“Bihar should get the status of a special state, but this will not end our poverty. Our children will not become educated by just getting this status,” Kishore said. He emphasized that significant improvements in Bihar’s education system and increased capital investment are crucial for meaningful progress.

Currently, under the central government’s scheme, the Centre funds 60 percent while the state covers 40 percent. Special state status would shift this to a 90-10 split, with the Centre providing 90 percent of the funding. Kishore questioned the impact of such a change, noting that Bihar is already receiving considerable funds under its status as a backward state.

“Even if Bihar starts getting 90 percent, what will change?” he asked. He pointed out that funds from schemes like MGNREGA and the PM Awas Yojana are not being effectively utilized by the Bihar government. “The money that farmers are supposed to get under the Pradhan Mantri Yojana is being given to the people of Bihar in the least amount in the country,” he added.

Kishore accused the Bihar government of misleading the public about the benefits of special state status. “If Bihar should have got the status of a special state, then why does the government wake up every five years?” he questioned. He challenged Nitish to show evidence of any concerted effort to lobby for this status in Delhi, such as visiting the Prime Minister with the entire cabinet.