Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday declared his intent to spearhead a statewide movement for the grant of special category status to the state.
He was speaking at the Bhim Sansad rally, organized by the JD(U) to mobilize Dalit voters ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
While addressing the gathering, Nitish Kumar expressed his disappointment over the Centre’s indifference over the issue. He said, “This has been our longstanding plea, but there has been no progress. We will launch a movement to compel the central government to grant special category status for Bihar”.
Demand for special status has been a key issue for Nitish Kumar. He emphasized that providing special status to Bihar, a state with significant challenges, would enable it to progress.
“Bihar will progress within two years if the central government grants a special category to the state, “Mr. Kumar said.
He also implored the assembled crowd at the rally to “extend all support to the JD(U) in its movement for the special category status”.
During his speech, Nitish Kumar emphasized the accomplishments of his government since 2005. He said that “people move freely these days”. He also highlighted the substantial presence of women at the event, signifying increased participation.
Furthermore, he pointed out the development in both rural and urban areas, showcasing overall progress across villages and cities in Bihar after he took over as Chief Minister in 2005.
“There was no advertisement but people have come from every corner of the state in large numbers to participate in the rally. This has happened because the state government has been working for the development of every caste and community in the state”, Nitish Kumar said.
During his speech, the Bihar Chief Minister advocated for a nationwide caste-based census. He said that Bihar conducted the survey after the Centre refused. He said, based on the findings, Bihar increased reservations in the state for Other Backward Caste (OBC), Extremely Backward Caste (EBC), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST).
He said that Bihar supported the 10 per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
“The report revealed that there is poverty in every caste and community. This underlines our commitment to the development of all communities”, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said.
