Nitish Kumar's Ambiguity on Special Status Demand for Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave a cryptic response regarding the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to the state. He was questioned after a Union government statement, and opposition leaders believe Bihar has been shortchanged. Kumar returned to the BJP-led NDA earlier this year.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday responded cryptically to the Centre's refusal to accord special category status to the state.

When asked about the Union government's statement in Parliament, Kumar, whose JD(U) is a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ally, hinted that details would emerge gradually:

''You will get to know all things slowly, and slowly (sab kuchh dhire dhire jaan jaaiyega),'' replied Kumar, the state's longest-serving CM, amid a barrage of questions from journalists at the Bihar Assembly.

The veteran leader, with a characteristic smile, quickly made his way into the House, leaving journalists trying to decipher his enigmatic stance.

After recent Lok Sabha elections, wherein the BJP fell short of a majority and leaned heavily on allies, the JD(U) passed a resolution during a national executive meeting, reiterating their call for special status. The party leaders, including potential government ministers, believe Bihar could still secure substantial aid from the Modi administration.

Opposition figures argue that Bihar has been misled. RJD President Lalu Prasad has openly suggested that Kumar should step down. Earlier this year, Kumar exited the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan to rejoin the BJP-led NDA.

(With inputs from agencies.)