Telugu Desam Party led by N Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (U) led by Nitish Kumar have emerged as two important pillars for the National Democratic Alliance government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
TDP has 16 MPs and Janata Dal (U) has 12, which are very crucial for the Modi government to survive, as if they withdraw their support, the government plunges into minority. So, Modi has no option but to oblige the requests of the two parties.
Taking advantage of the situation, Nitish Kumar is trying to push for his party’s age-old demand for securing special category status to Bihar.
On Saturday, the JD (U) national executive meeting adopted a resolution demanding special state status for Bihar.
The party emphasized the longstanding need for Bihar to be granted special status, highlighting economic and developmental disparities.
"The demand for special state status for Bihar is not new. It is a crucial step towards accelerating Bihar's growth trajectory and addressing the state's unique challenges," a JD (U) spokesperson K C Tyagi said after the meeting.
One of the biggest benefits for states classified as a special category earlier was that 90 per cent of funds under centrally sponsored schemes was contributed by the Centre, with only 10 per cent being the state contribution.
For all other states, the split was 60:40 with the Centre contributing just 60 per cent. Further, Normal Central Assistance from the Union government for special category states comprised 90 per cent grants and 10 per cent loan; for other states, it was 30 per cent grants, and 70 per cent loans.
Now, the Nitish Kumar party’s demand has put a psychological pressure on Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to put forth a similar demand before the Centre. So far, Naidu has not made any such demand whereas Nitish has been asking for it vociferously.
With the JD (U) adopting a resolution for special category status for Bihar, Naidu also would be compelled to adopt a similar resolution in the state assembly reiterating the demand.
A TDP leader, however, said if Modi succumbs to pressure and grants special category status to Bihar, relaxing the rules of the Niti Aayog, he will have to give the same status to Andhra Pradesh as well.
“But to be on the safe side, the TDP government will have to formally put forth the request before the Centre,” he added.
