Development impossible without special state status: Lalu

Slamming the erstwhile NDA government for its alleged failure to give a special package for ensuring all-round growth of Bihar after a separate Jharkhand state was carved out, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad today asserted Bihar's development was impossible without placing it under special state category.

We can't think of all-round growth of Bihar till special state status is accorded to it by the Centre because of its backwardness, Prasad said when mediamen met him at his 10 Circular Road bungalow here on his 62nd birthday celebration.

Large-scale investment was required to set up agro-based, small and cottage industries in Bihar, he said, adding his party would continue to fight unless the demand was met.

Prasad criticised the erstwhile NDA government at the centre for allegedly ignoring the interests of Bihar.

We sought a special financial package of over Rs 1.87 crore, soon after the state was divided into two, when the NDA was in power at the Centre but unfortunately, our requests were not not heeded to, the RJD boss said.

The state incurred heavy loss of revenue after minerall rich Jharkhand was carved out in 2000, he added.

Prasad also called for implementation of the recommendations of the Sachchar Commission, Prasad said.