Bihar's Battle for Special Status Intensifies Ahead of Budget Session

The NDA and Mahagathbandhan in Bihar are at odds over the demand for special status, a debate that has heated up before the Parliament's budget session. The call for special status dates back to the bifurcation of the state, but the 14th Finance Commission has scrapped the provision. Political leaders exchanged accusations, emphasizing the significance of the matter as the budget session nears.

The ruling NDA in Bihar and the opposition Mahagathbandhan clashed on Friday over the demand for special status to the state as the Parliament's budget session approaches.

The longstanding demand arose after Jharkhand’s creation cost Bihar its mineral wealth. Despite the Centre arguing that the 14th Finance Commission abolished the provision, this hasn't quelled the demands.

Senior Congress leader and ex-Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar criticized the BJP-JD(U) coalition for not granting special status. She highlighted the irony of the BJP ignoring JD(U)’s demands despite their alliance.