Bihar has got a big share of Backward Region Development Grant for ₹12000 crores. The union cabinet yesterday approved the grant for the state in a move considered to woo Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.
It remains to be seen how Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responds to this as he had asked for Rs 20,000 crore allotment for Bihar. JD(U) MP Ali Anwar said, “We has asked for Rs 20,000 crore. The government is providing Rs 12,000 crore. We will continue our demand till we get the amount.”
He added, “Our demand is for special status for Bihar. We will continue our demand till we get it. The entire people of Bihar are with us. We are not asking for any special favour. The criteria for special status should be changed. Whichever states are backward should be given this status.”
Congress is said to be watching the political developments closely and is reportedly eyeing JD(U) as a prospective ally. Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari, however, denied there is anything political in the cabinet decision.
“UPA has been running a government for the past nine years. It has been our endeavour not to mix politics and governance.”, Tewari said.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi expressed dismay at the package, alleging justice has not been done as this amount is too less and the state has not been given a special status as demanded.
“This is not a new package but a continuation of the package which was started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
We had demanded Rs 20,000 crore but only Rs 12,000 crore has been granted. We have doubts whether even this whole amount will be given. They have given us a lollipop and this is too little,” Modi, who hold the Finance portfolio, told reporters.