Kumar meets FM, Montek to seek special status for Bihar

Following bifurcation of the state, Bihar lost much it mineral wealth to newly created Jharkhand in 2000 and therefore needs more funds

Amid his demand for special category status for Bihar, state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today met today Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Kumar is believed to have discussed the issue of special category status for Bihar for getting higher grants for various development works in the state.

Following bifurcation of the state, Bihar lost much it mineral wealth to newly created Jharkhand in 2000.

Yesterday, Kumar held a 'Adhikar' rally here to press the Centre for according the privileged status to Bihar saying the state needs funds for development.

Alleging his state has been "discriminated" against, the JD(U) leader had said, "We do not have to see either to the left or to the right. We have to look straight."

"The government in Delhi (Centre) should be such, which looks after our interests," he added.

Taking to Delhi his battle for special status to Bihar, Kumar had suggested that his support would be crucial for formation of next government at the Centre and JD(U), which was part of BJP-led NDA, was not averse to exploring other tie-ups.

"Either you give it (special status) now or after 2014, you will have to give it. You will have to accept the demand in circumstances that will be there after 2014. Only one, who feels about the backward, the backward states, will occupy the seat of power in Delhi (Centre)," Kumar had said.