New Delhi: The opening day of the monsoon session in Parliament saw a significant uproar as the Janata Dal (United) clashed with opposition parties over various demands. The spotlight, however, was on JDU MP Rampreet Mandal’s earnest call for Bihar to be granted special state status, a long-standing demand that has been a point of contention for years.
JDU’s Persistent Demand
JDU MP Rampreet Mandal took the floor to argue for Bihar’s need for special state status passionately. Mandal highlighted the state’s economic and infrastructural challenges, stressing that such a status would greatly aid Bihar’s development. His plea, however, was met with a firm rebuttal from the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary.
Government’s Stand on Special State Status
In response, Pankaj Chaudhary stated unequivocally that Bihar does not meet the current criteria for special state status. Chaudhary referred to a 2012 report by an inter-ministerial group that had previously evaluated Bihar’s request and concluded that the state did not qualify based on the National Development Council’s (NDC) criteria. This includes hilly and difficult terrain, low population density, significant tribal population, strategic border location, economic and infrastructural backwardness, and non-viable state finances.
Political Repercussions
Chaudhary’s statement ignited a political firestorm in Bihar. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) wasted no time in criticizing the state government, accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his party, the JDU, of failing to secure the much-needed status despite years of promises. The RJD took to social media, with leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav calling for Nitish Kumar’s resignation, accusing him of making empty promises about achieving special status for Bihar.
Historical Context and NDA’s Internal Struggle
The battle for Bihar’s special state status is not new. Various political factions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including Nitish Kumar’s JDU, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), have consistently lobbied for this recognition. They argue that the state’s lack of resources hampers its development and that special status is crucial for economic progress and industrialization.
Key Question and Government’s Detailed Response
The core of the debate was encapsulated in Rampreet Mandal’s question: Does the government have any plans to grant special state status to Bihar or similarly backward states to foster economic development? In a detailed response, Pankaj Chaudhary outlined the criteria and historical context, reiterating that Bihar does not currently meet the standards required for special category status. This response effectively dashed the hopes of those advocating for the change, fueling further discontent among Bihar’s political representatives.
Future Prospects and Political Dynamics
Despite the setback, the demand for special state status for Bihar remains a critical issue. NDA allies continue to push for it, suggesting that a re-evaluation of criteria by NITI Aayog might be necessary. The political dynamics within the NDA and the broader opposition in Bihar are likely to keep this issue alive, as parties vie for the support of Bihar’s 13 crore people in the run-up to future elections.
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