Patna: The 26th Eastern Regional Council convened under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday in Patna, addressing critical issues related to the development of eastern areas and strategies for dealing with Maoist challenges. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav participated in the three-hour-long session.
During the meeting, the state government presented several significant demands to Home Minister Shah. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted the necessity of special state status for Bihar, emphasizing its crucial role in the state’s development. He further urged the inclusion of this status in the Ninth Schedule after expanding the scope of reservation in Bihar.
Water Resources Minister Sanjay Jha called upon the Union Home Minister to consider the construction of a high dam near Nepal to mitigate the impact of floods in Bihar. In response, Minister Shah requested a formal proposal, assuring a thorough examination of the matter.
While the Chief Ministers of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal were expected to attend the meeting, they were represented by two ministers each. The Chief Secretaries of the states were also present during the deliberations.
Following the meeting, Union Home Minister Shah proceeded to the State Guest House, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returned to his residence at 1, Anney Marg. Subsequently, Minister Shah held an informal meeting with the core committee members of Bihar BJP, featuring the participation of the state president, Samrat Chaudhary, and the general secretary.
This gathering marked the first joint appearance of CM Nitish Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in over a year, with the Chief Minister having separated from the NDA on August 9 of the previous year. The meeting underscored a renewed engagement between the two leaders, who had not convened since the G-20 dinner party in Delhi two months ago, where CM Nitish Kumar met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Convened on the instructions of the Central Government, the 26th meeting of the Eastern Regional Council focused on the development of eastern states, including Bihar, and discussions on internal security. Home Ministry officials actively participated in the deliberations, addressing issues such as Maoist challenges. The meeting is anticipated to enhance coordination among the participating states, fostering a deeper understanding of regional concerns.
The Eastern Zonal Council comprises Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, with Bihar hosting the event after intervals in 1958, 1963, 1985, and 2015.
