Jairam Ramesh Questions Nitish Kumar on Special Status for Bihar

New Delhi, India – Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has posed a question to Bihar’s Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JD(U)) Chief Nitish Kumar. This came after the JD(U) National Executive meeting passed a resolution demanding special status for Bihar.

Resolution for Special Status

The JD(U) meeting reiterated its long-standing demand for special status and a special package for Bihar, citing the state’s economic and social challenges. Ramesh took to social media platform ‘X’ to ask if Nitish Kumar would have the courage to pass the resolution through the state cabinet.

Questions on Andhra Pradesh

Ramesh also questioned the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) stance on special status for Andhra Pradesh. He mentioned a promise made by the Prime Minister in 2014 in Tirupati, asking why the TDP has not passed a similar resolution.

New Appointments in JD(U)

During the same meeting, JD(U) appointed Sanjay Jha, a Rajya Sabha MP, as the working president of the party. Nitish Kumar will continue as the national president.

Advocacy for Bihar

JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary stated that party leaders would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for their demands. He emphasized that special status and a special package for Bihar are old demands that remain crucial.

Background on Special Status

Last year, the Bihar cabinet, led by the then-Mahagathbandhan government, passed a resolution for special status. Currently, Bihar is governed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Nitish Kumar rejoined the BJP-led alliance.

Special Status for Andhra Pradesh

Special status for Andhra Pradesh has also been a persistent issue. The TDP, now an NDA ally, has been demanding this status. In 2018, the TDP left the NDA citing neglect by the central government, and in 2019, Chandrababu Naidu led a protest in the national capital.

Special status for states would provide financial assistance and incentives from the central government.